A study by the Canadian Cancer Society in the late 1980s and early 1990s in Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario showed that cancer patients did face some discrimination in firing, job assignments, benefits and attitudes.
• Over half of those who had worked since the time of their diagnosis reported having a job problem related to
their cancer. Many had quit their jobs or cut back on their hours because of illness, fatigue, emotional upset or
the demands of treatment schedules. These problems tended to be associated with higher distress levels.
• In Quebec, where the people surveyed were somewhat younger, many listed job problems as being among
their top three concerns.
• Fifteen percent of the total samples in Quebec and Ontario indicated that they had quit or lost their jobs as a
direct result of their cancer. This proportion is higher than in Manitoba (8 percent) or in Prince Edward Island
(6 percent), where the samples tended to be somewhat older.
But the good news was that about half reported that they never had any problems at work because of their cancer. Many had earned salary increases because of promotions or increased responsibilities. Since a similar American study was done many states have passed legislation to outlaw discrimination because of medical conditions, including cancer.
What is absolutely essential is that you keep a positive attitude despite some rejection. Medical social workers, physical and occupational therapists and vocational counselors can all help ease the transition back into the workforce. They can help you match your skills with available jobs or help you get retraining if that is
