Navigating work after a cancer diagnosis often means balancing treatments, recovery, and regular doctor’s appointments alongside your job. One question that frequently arises for working cancer survivors is: How do I talk to my employer about needing time off for medical appointments?

Here’s how to approach these conversations with professionalism and confidence, while maintaining your privacy:

1. Know Your Rights

Before having a conversation with your employer, it’s important to understand your rights as an employee when it comes to taking time off for medical appointments. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), you may be entitled to unpaid leave for serious health conditions like cancer, depending on your employer's size and your tenure. Even if you’re not eligible for FMLA, many companies have policies that allow for time off for medical reasons. Check with your HR department or policy handbook for specific information.

2. Decide How Much to Share

Deciding whether to tell someone about your diagnosis – and whom to tell – is an intensely personal decision. You might feel it is essential to disclose your diagnosis; alternatively, you may believe privacy is critical. Ultimately, it’s a personal decision and there is no right or wrong. However, we recommend thinking through these considerations before making a decision. If you do decide to share your cancer diagnosis to your employer, consider using our Manager’s Kit to help facilitate the conversation.

3. How to Say You Have a Doctor’s Appointment:

When requesting time off for an appointment, consider the culture and urgency. An article by The Muse offers options and email samples:

1. Via email: Good for formal, non-urgent situations. Also provides a written record.
2. In-person/call: Good for urgency and has a more personal touch.
3. Message/chat: Good for remote-work environment, urgency, less formal.
4. Calendar invite: Good when scheduling is important. Invite your boss to the calendar to keep them in the loop to help keep everyone on the same page. 

You may also consider a combination of the above. For example, you can send an email and follow-up with a chat, or you can speak on the phone and then send a calendar invite. Your message should be concise, respectful of your employer’s time, and to the point. 

4. Be Proactive About Scheduling

When possible, try to schedule your appointments at times that minimize the impact on your workday, like early mornings, lunch breaks, or late afternoons. If your treatment schedule is more intensive, consider discussing a flexible work arrangement as a reasonable accommodation with your employer. This might include adjusted hours, remote work, or temporary part-time status. 

We also recommend giving some notice prior to the day-of, if possible. If the appointment is scheduled very far in advance, it is helpful to send a reminder as the appointment gets closer.

5. Offer Solutions

If your appointment will overlap with a critical meeting or deadline, offer solutions to help manage your responsibilities while you’re away. For instance, you may complete a project before the deadline or ask a colleague to take notes for you on a meeting you’ll miss.

6. Take Care of Yourself

Remember to take care of yourself. Balancing work and cancer can be challenging, so it’s important to manage your stress levels at home and at work.

For more resources on balancing work and cancer, explore Cancer and Careers’ At Work articles and upcoming events.