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yetbeung's avatar
yetbeung
Member
11 years ago

Job Applications / Interviews and cancer

Hi everyone, 

I finished my treatment for TNBC (surgery, chemo and radiation) in June. Since then, I've been applying for jobs, as I'm keen to get back into the work force and earning some income. 

My question - when the question comes up, "Do you have any conditions which could potentially affect you carrying out the role?" should I disclose that I have had cancer?

On one hand, I am now healthy and treatment is over, so I will not have to take time off work for that. Technically, I do not have cancer anymore. On a day to day basis, it does not affect my carrying out a job. 

However, there is a chance, albeit a small one, that it could recur, which would mean time off work, and could "potentially" affect me being able to carry out a job due to stress / depression or further treatment etc. 

I really don't know what to do in this case, it's not like it's a chronic ongoing condition which requires regular time off, or something like diabetes, where the person may require extra time off during the day to take insulin etc. 

I have applied for about a hundred jobs, and when I've been asked that question I say no, but then I feel like it's a pre-existing condition and I should say yes. 

I'd love to hear what others have done in this situation, or any suggestions...I don't want to miss out for something that may not ever recur! 

triple-negative-breast-cancer
work
  • Merlins_mum's avatar
    Merlins_mum
    Member
    11 years ago

    Not back in Oz until Feb for nipple rebuild! Been busy staying cool and taking care of new rescue cat. Well Omani bin cat really.  All legs, tail and yowl!  hope it was some help. Come over if u r bored. Lots of room!

     

    love julie

     

  • yetbeung's avatar
    yetbeung
    Member
    11 years ago

    Thanks so much for the informed comment Julie! I haven't been saying anything about it, but as I said, I come out of it feeling like I should have. Good to get an "insider's" perspective!

    Job hunting at the moment - hmmm...I'm actually finding that there's a fair bit to apply for, I'm doing a few applications a day usually...have had 4 phone interviews and 2 face to face so far, with another phone interview tomorrow and a face to face next week. I'm also looking at starting a Diploma in Business Admin which should help a bit too. 

    At least I have some hair now! I can imagine that would have made job hunting quite hard. 

    Hope all is well with you, are you back in Australia yet??

  • Merlins_mum's avatar
    Merlins_mum
    Member
    11 years ago
    Well hi there again. I was in HR for 25+ years. The short answer is no you do not have to disclose you have been treated for cancer unless you require ongoing treatment. If you want to tell people your history after you are working, that is up to you. It is personal information. I also wouldn't say anything at interview or screening as people, including recruiters, are liable to make misjudgements based on ignorance. You have no existing condition. Good luck with the job hunt. It can be tough out there at times. Regards Julie