How To Tell Your Employer You Have Cancer

Step 1: Manage Yourself

Don't talk to your employer until you are out of the denial stage about your cancer or until you have emotionally come to terms with your disease.

Step 2: Have Your Facts Straight

Learn as much as you can about the kind of cancer you have so you will know exactly how much time you will need off or how it will affect your mental and physical functioning.

Step 3: Corporate Strategy

Figure out ways the company can continue to be productive during your absence.

Step 4: Present Your Case

Schedule a Friday afternoon meeting with your employer to tell him/her that you have cancer. It's an emotional subject and it's a good idea to have the weekend to recover.

Tell your employer about your cancer in a matter of fact way. You should not feel as though you have to elicit sympathy from your employer.

Step 5: Office Gossip

Ask your employer to keep your cancer diagnosis a secret because it could become a source of gossip about you in the office. It's best if you tell your co-workers as you feel comfortable.

Step 6: Know Your Rights

Be aware of your legal rights. You can not be discriminated against because of your cancer.

Step 7: Reinforce The Positive

If your employer reacts to your diagnosis in a positive way, be sure to show your gratitude. It's a difficult and challenging time for everyone.