“You have bladder cancer.”
Although it may feel like the world stops the moment you hear these words, life goes on — and sometimes that means going back to work. Whether you plan to continue doing your job through treatment or return to it afterward, there are steps you can take to make it easier.
Talk to your healthcare professional
If you know that returning to work during or after treatment for bladder cancer will be a priority for you, it’s worth telling your cancer care team. Although much of your treatment plan depends on how invasive or aggressive your bladder cancer is, health care providers may also take into account your desire to work, said Eila Skinner, MDurologic oncologist and professor of urology at Stanford Health Care in Stanford, California.
“The majority of people with bladder cancer undergo outpatient surgery and/or treatments in the bladder,” Skinner said. “So patients need to take time off work for each treatment, but that doesn’t necessarily have a big effect on their ability to work.”
She added that more complex treatments such as bladder removal, radiation or chemotherapy can make it more difficult, but medical professionals can still help resolve work problems. “We will help you with your employer to determine how you can benefit from these days off and whatever documentation you need,” Skinner said.
Many patients also have the opportunity to speak with a treatment center social worker about developing a return to work plan. These social workers can also refer patients to support services.
Know your legal rights
If you need to take time off for treatment or other reasons related to your bladder cancer, you may be eligible for unpaid leave under federal law. Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). According to the FMLA, people with cancer can take up to 12 weeks of protected, unpaid leave per year if you:
- You have worked for your employer for at least 12 months
- Worked at least 1,250 hours (approximately 25 hours per week) in the past 12 months
- Work in a location with 50 or more employees within 75 miles of your home
FMLA leave can be taken all at once or in shorter increments. You can also reduce your daily hours or work part-time for a while.
People with cancer (or a history of cancer) may also be eligible for Legal protection under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), a federal law that prevents discrimination against people with disabilities. Indeed, the ADA considers the term “disability” to include any impairment that substantially limits a major life activity or a history of that type of impairment.
According to the ADA, employers should evaluate employees with cancer based on their skills, knowledge and experience, as well as how the disease affects them. They should not make decisions about employees with cancer based on fear or stereotypes about cancer.
For example, an employer cannot demote someone who is undergoing treatment for bladder cancer because they are concerned that job stress will make the cancer worse.
The ADA also requires employers to provide workplace adjustments (called reasonable accommodations) to people with cancer so they can continue to do their jobs.
In addition to these federal protections, your human resources department can answer questions about employer-specific policies related to:
- Short and long term disability
- Insurance
- Sick time and flexible hours
Find out about accommodation
Once you tell your employer about your bladder cancer, you can request accommodations that will make it easier for you to work during and after treatment. Some accommodations covered by the ADA include:
- Additional/extended breaks
- A private space to rest and take medication
- Work from home
- Share work with a colleague
Other examples of adjustments that could make your work more feasible are:
- Rearrange your workspace (or move to a new one)
- Change your schedule and/or work outside of normal business hours
- Temporarily change jobs within the company
- Avoid physical work
- Ensure you have access to seats when needed
- Take time off for an appointment
The first step in obtaining accommodations is to determine what, if anything, you need to provide to your employer. Companies may request documentation, such as a medical approval or a note from your healthcare professional.
Prepare to return
Once you’ve organized your accommodation, it’s time to put away your last ducks. Think about what you want to share with your colleagues about your bladder cancer. Examine the bathroom situation and access all private bathrooms, where you can take care of yourself. self-catheterization or other needs.
It’s also a good idea to prepare an emergency kit for your office or car in case you get unexpectedly stuck at work (or in traffic). This kit should contain items such as medications, stoma supplies and anything else you might need.
According to Skinner, the best thing to do is to take things one day at a time.
“I usually tell patients to try not to think too far in advance, because it’s just not predictable,” she said. “I’m optimistic, so I tell them to be optimistic until they’re given a reason not to be.”
This educational resource was created with support from Astellas, Merck and Pfizer.
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