Hi Lauri,

Thanks for reaching out to us and apologies for the delayed response. We recently redesigned our website and are having some issues with the alerts when new questions come in, so I'm very sorry about that. I have sent your question over to our coaches who will be in touch soon.

In the meantime, I would recommend checking out the Top Three Legal Question About Employment: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/at-work/legal-and-financial/top-three-legal-questions. Since your question is technically legal and I'm not a legal expert, the first question in this article contains the information from cancer rights attorney's that you need to know about disclosing a diagnosis.

I hope that this is helpful!

Best,
Sarah, Manager of Programs, Cancer and Careers

Good afternoon, Lauri,
As well as acting as a career coach for Cancer+Careers, I am a breast cancer survivor, too, so I understand the uncertainty you must be facing as you interview for a new position. That you have been invited so quickly after beginning your search to come in for an interview speaks highly of your skills and how you have presented them in your resume' and any other contacts you have made with that employer. Great going!
I do encourage you to follow up by reviewing all the legal resources our site offers, and reaching out to get legal advice on the best approach, since your strategy will need to reflect your own unique situation. But, that said, I usually recommend that individuals approach interviews the same as they would if the cancer were not an issue, working to cement the relationship with the potential employer, and to dazzle them with your capability and how you will make a difference for them.
Then, should the offer be forthcoming, disclosure is not required, unless you think that you will need special accommodations in order to be able to meet the job requirements, or if you know you will have to take time off using the Family Medical Leave Act, for example.
Why not play this out, and in the meantime, consult with your treatment team so that you have a clearer idea of what you can expect with any reconstruction, chemotherapy or radiation that you may be facing. Get your physician's advice on what they recommend, then you will be able to design a more fully informed strategy to handle any job search contingencies.
Each person reacts to chemotherapy and other treatment modalities differently, so I don't want to make any assumptions. But, I can say that your "can do" spirit is shining through in your question.
Do let us know how things are going for you and if you have landed that position. And, we will get back in a timely fashion now that the kinks in the notification system are worked out.
Wishing you huge success and a healthy and happy future,
Kathy Flora, Career Coach.