S D. on July 26, 2024
Job Search
As a cancer survivor with no major life limitations or no need for accomodations, I am concerned how to answer the disability EEOC question on the job application. I need to take expensive medication for the rest of my life, so will answering "No" or "I don't want to answer" appear as I am lying on a job application and jeopardize employment or access to this medication? If answering "Yes" affect my chances of employments? When would be the best time to disclose my need for the medication; i.e., after job offer? after starting job? etc?
2 Comments
Nicole Jarvis, LMSW
Jul 29, 2024
Cancer and Careers Staff Comment:
Hello S,
Thank you for submitting your question to Cancer and Careers! I suppose my first question to you is, why would you need to tell them about your medication? If you are currently not experiencing any major life limitations that would impact your ability to do the job, there really isn't a need to disclose your cancer to an employer. If you are concerned about your company finding out about your medication through your insurance company, that too would not be shared with your employer.
In terms of answering the disability question, typically these are optional questions. I would recommend you take a look at our article on Managing Disclosure When Looking for Work, where you can read about what's expected from those disability questions, along with some helpful information to keep in mind when getting a new job and managing a diagnosis. I'd also suggest familiarizing yourself with some of the laws and legal protections that are available to you as a person with a cancer diagnosis. In the Legal & Financial section of our website, you can learn some of the foundational information about the ADA and FMLA, along with some guidance on disclosure.
If you are still concerned about further legal implications, please feel free to check out Triage Cancer's website, which provides a bit more in-depth information regarding the legal intersectins of work and cancer.
If you have any other questions or would like to have a further conversation, feel free to reach out to cancerandcareers@cew.org to schedule a time to speak.
Warm regards,
Nicole Jarvis, LMSW
Assistant Director of Programs
Cancer and Careers
Carl S.
Aug 19, 2024
Answering "No":
You generally do not have an obligation to disclose your cancer history or medication needs if they do not affect your ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
Answering "No" is usually acceptable as long as your condition does not interfere with your work.
However, be aware that if the employer later discovers you have a condition that requires accommodation, it could potentially be viewed as withholding information.
Edited by slope game 1 day ago
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