If you are returning to work or are applying for a new job after your lymphoma experience, you may find yourself being:
- Let go from a previous job or demoted
- Passed over for promotions or a new job
- Denied health benefits
- Refused time off for medical or follow-up care appointments
As long as you are qualified for your job, your employer or potential employer cannot treat you differently because of your medical history including lymphoma. Discrimination against someone who has lymphoma or any other cancer is against the law. Be sure to learn about your rights in the workplace and protect yourself from workplace discrimination.
If you experience any form of discrimination, it is helpful to keep records of specific incidences that may have occurred. You should include the names of the people involved (and those who witnessed the incident) as well as the date and place where the incident occurred. It may also be helpful to include your job performance evaluation and other written information about your work in your records.
Be familiar with your workplace policies. You may want to contact your human resources department for more information.
You can always reach out to an employment lawyer to help you understand your rights and to help you manage the situation, if needed.
References:
Canadian Cancer Society. Work and finances
American Cancer Society. Returning to Work After Cancer Treatment. Revised April 15, 2014
