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Breaking News!

Did you know that the federal government has expanded the scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)? On September 25, 2008, President Bush signed into law the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA), which will go into effect on January 1, 2009. Even patients and survivors who previously had been told they did not qualify for protection under the ADA should investigate whether the ADAAA now provides them with the right to reasonable accommodation. » read the article

Are you balancing cancer treatment and work? You're not alone.

Though everyone makes their best effort to work through cancer treatment, it can be harder for some than others. Sue, an 8-year breast cancer survivor who shared her story on the Cancer and Careers Collective Diary, has advice for how to deal with it all:

1. Educate yourself as to insurance benefits and company policies.
2. Be honest with your supervisor as to what your limitations are and what medical supervision you must be under.
3. Be specific with your supervisor: Don't leave out details that could possibly jeopardize your job because you can't perform them.
4. Find some outlet that provides relaxation; whether it be yoga, Pilates, reading, walking, or chatting with a friend. We all need an outlet that is separate from the workplace.

Sue is just one of the women who has participated in the Cancer and Careers Collective Diary. Click here to read more and to post your story!

Working with cancer: laws and rights to know about

Aside from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), there are many other legal protections available to cancer survivors and caregivers. COBRA offers a temporary continuation of health insurance under certain circumstances. The Family and Medical Leave Act gives you the right to take time off due to illness or caring for an ill dependent without losing your job.

For more information, see the following articles on our website:

Your Legal Rights in the Workplace

Back to Work After Cancer, What Do You Need to Know?

Handling Discrimination at Work

Please remember that for any specific personal legal issues, you should speak to an attorney. There are many organizations that provide free legal counseling to cancer survivors including the Cancer Legal Resource Center (866-843-2572) and Cancer Advocacy Project of the NYC Bar Association (212-382-4785).

Publications: All of these are FREE, are available in both English and Spanish, and include:

    * The Living and Working with Cancer Workbook
    * The Most Important Resources for Working Women with Cancer
    * And more!

Resources: Search our newly updated cancer resource directory

Our Story: Read about the women who inspired the creation of Cancer and Careers

Cancer and Careers is committed to changing the face of cancer in the workplace. The program offers information, advice and community to working women with cancer, their employers, co-workers and caregivers.

THE FOLLOWING COMPANIES SUPPORT CANCER AND CAREERS
SPONSORS: FOUNDING: Avon Foundation, Roche PLATINUM: L'Oréal USA GOLD: Bare Escentuals, CHANEL, RPR Marketing Communications, SELF Magazine, Shiseido Cosmetics America SILVER: Bath & Body Works, Lindi Skin, Macy's Foundation, Nordstrom, Sephora USA, Inc., Suite K, Time Inc., Tweezerman	MANAGING THROUGH CANCER PIONEERS: CHAMPION: The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., Johnson & Johnson Consumer Companies, Inc., Liz Claiborne Inc., Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ADVOCATE: Rodale, RSM McGladrey
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