I was laid off at the end of January and in February was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. While the break from my job had allowed me to focus on getting well, I financially need to get back to work. Searching for jobs is extremely difficult in the current economic environment and I’m torn about when or if I should disclose my current health situation. I don’t believe it would impact my ability to work as I work remotely and can work during treatments. Should I disclose it during an interview or wait until I have an offer, or not at all?

6 Comments

1. KatJune 5,2024 at 3:34PM UTC

   Don't disclose it. It's none of their business at the interview stage and could prevent you from getting hired. You might be seen as too much of a risk or too expensive to insure. It's best to wait until after you're employed, and only if it becomes necessary to tell them if accommodations are needed for doctor appointments or treatments.

2. AnonymousJune 5,2024 at 4:14PM UTC

   I agree. I am an HR Director but recently went through Cancer treatment myself but was already employed when I was diagnosed so was lucky I had an understanding supervisor that worked around my treatments with me. With that being said, if you are brand new, I would not disclose unless you know ahead of time that you will need a specific amount of time off for treatment. Most companies will make reasonable accommodations for appts.

3. SueJune 5,2024 at 5:44PM UTC

   NO!

4. Wanda ShawJune 5,2024 at 6:20PM UTC

   What I would do in this situation is to simply sell yourself first, not your disease. Sure, there will be arrangements to be made regarding your treatment once you're hired and if you want to be transparent with your new employer about your illness, then okay that's fine. You're not being deceptive when you do it this way, after all you were this talented, capable individual well before the cancer showed up on the scene. All the best to you!

5. AnonymousJune 5,2024 at 8:16PM UTC

   No. You control what you know about you. You cannot control what others assume they know about you. It is not germane to the job you’re seeking. I lost my position (Covid) in August and was diagnosed with breast cancer in November. I disclosed and just never got even an interview until I stopped doing that — and I have excellent credentials and experience. I was hired to my first interview and make 50% more and no one knows.

   Think of it this way — how many people interviewing now actually have cancer or some other significant disease but don’t know it yet? You sound like you have the hard part behind you. Theirs is still on the horizon. It is of no interest to your employer if you manage yourself and your time to the best of your ability.

6. AnonymousJune 6,2024 at 2:10AM UTC

   Why disclose during the hiring process and put yourself at risk of being quietly discriminated against and not considered?