[Narrator]

For more information about financial concerns, you can listen to the "Finding Ways to Pay for Care" program in the Cancer Survival Toolbox. Let's hear from another survivor whose cancer diagnosis created a career challenge for her. Mary is 32 years old and has completed treatment for cancer that included surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Unlike Kathy, Mary does not have a spouse, children, or elderly parents to worry about. But, she is facing major career issues that may affect her happiness and financial future.

[Mary]

When I was first diagnosed with cancer, I had been thinking about a major career change. I am a graphic designer at a big design firm. I kind of fell into this line of work and found that I really love it …and am good at it. I was getting ready to make the decision to leave the firm, go back to school, and then start my own graphic design business. Everything was falling right into place for me. But, with my cancer diagnosis, everything stopped. At the time, I thought that I would just be putting things on hold. But now, I just don't know.

I found out that, with my diagnosis, it's not easy to change health insurance. Private insurance is either nearly impossible to get or it's so expensive that I couldn't afford to pay for the insurance while I took time off from working to go back to school. Even just trying to change jobs might be real hard to do now. Once they hear that you've been off from work with cancer, employers may wonder whether you'll be able to stay on the job after they hire you. I know I'm lucky just to have a job, especially one that I really enjoy. But, I can't help feeling locked in and frustrated that I may have a hard time getting on with my career.

[Narrator]

Mary was able to get help through an organization called the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship. This organization provided her with valuable information on how to avoid discrimination based on a cancer diagnosis. Some of the tips included: Ask a job counselor for help with résumé preparation and job interviewing skills; Apply only for jobs that you are able to do; If possible, look for jobs with state or local governments or large employers; Keep your legal rights in mind; Do not lie on a job or insurance application; When interviewing for a job, do not volunteer the information that you have or have had cancer unless it directly affects your qualifications for a job; During a job interview, do not ask about health insurance until after you have been given a job offer; If you have to explain a long period of unemployment during cancer treatment, explain it in a way that shows your illness is past, if possible, and that you are in good health and are expected to remain healthy; Keep the focus on your current ability to do the job in question.

Cancer survivors today have new state and federal laws that require employers to treat survivors based on their individual abilities and not on their cancer history. Survivors should be aware of their legal rights and be willing to advocate for fairness in the work place. Having looked at all her options, Mary has returned to school. She was able to get some insurance through a school program and through the state's cancer insurance program. She feels that she has the information and tools to go out into the work place after her schooling. And, she knows how to avoid discrimination and hopefully live out her career dreams that will provide her with many years of fulfillment.

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