On This Page
About Cancer
Cancer develops when cells in a part of the body begin to grow out of control. Although there are many kinds of cancer, they all start because of out-of-control growth of abnormal cells. Normal body cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly fashion. During the early years of a person's life, normal cells divide more rapidly until the person becomes an adult. After that, cells in most parts of the body divide only to replace worn-out or dying cells and to repair injuries. Because cancer cells continue to grow and divide, they are different from normal cells. Instead of dying, they outlive normal cells and continue to form new abnormal cells. Cancer cells often travel to other parts of the body where they begin to grow and replace normal tissue. This process, called metastasis, occurs as the cancer cells get into the bloodstream or lymph vessels of our body. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Some generalized symptoms and signs such as unexplained weight loss, fever, fatigue, or lumps may be seen in several types of cancer; however, other signs and symptoms are relatively specific to a particular type of cancer. Staging is the process of finding out how much cancer there is in the body and where it is located. Doctors use this information to plan treatment and to help determine a person's outlook (prognosis). Cancers with the same stage usually have similar outlooks and are often treated the same way. Staging is also a way doctors can communicate with each other about a person's case. For most cancers, the stage is based on three main factors: the original (primary) tumor's size and whether the tumor has grown into other nearby areas, whether the cancer has spread to the nearby lymph nodes, and whether the cancer has spread to distant areas of the body.
Cancer and the Americans with Disabilities Act
The ADA does not contain a list of medical conditions that constitute disabilities. Instead, the ADA has a general definition of disability that each person must meet. A person has a disability if he/she has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or is regarded as having an impairment. For more information about how to determine whether a person has a disability under the ADA, see How to Determine Whether a Person Has a Disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA).
Accommodating Employees with Cancer
People with cancer may develop some of the limitations discussed below, but seldom develop all of them. Also, the degree of limitation will vary among individuals. Be aware that not all people will need accommodations to perform their jobs and many others may only need a few accommodations. The following is only a sample of the possibilities available. Numerous other accommodation solutions may exist.
Questions to Consider:
- What limitations is the employee experiencing?
- How do these limitations affect the employee and the employee’s job performance?
- What specific job tasks are problematic as a result of these limitations?
- What accommodations are available to reduce or eliminate these problems? Are all possible resources being used to determine possible accommodations?
- Has the employee been consulted regarding possible accommodations?
- Once accommodations are in place, would it be useful to meet with the employee to evaluate the effectiveness of the accommodations and to determine whether additional accommodations are needed?
- Do supervisory personnel and employees need training?
Accommodation Ideas:
By Limitation
Decreased Stamina/Fatigue
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- Anti-fatigue Matting
- Elevating Wheelchairs
- Ergonomic Assessments
- Ergonomic Equipment
- Flexible Schedule
- Job Restructuring
- Periodic Rest Breaks
- Scooters
- Stand-lean Stools
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Walkers
- Wearable Anti-fatigue Matting
- Wheelchairs
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
Effect of/Receive Medical Treatment
Executive Functioning Deficits
- Apps for Concentration
- Checklists
- Color Coded System
- Cubicle Doors, Shields, and Shades
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Form Generating Software
- Job Coaches
- Job Restructuring
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- Noise Canceling Headsets
- Recorded Directives, Messages, Materials
- Sound Absorption and Sound Proof Panels
- Speech Recognition Software
- Timers and Watches
- Wall Calendars and Planners
- Written Instructions
Nausea
Respiratory Distress/Breathing Problem
- Air Cleaners & Purifiers
- Air Cleaners - Chemical/Odor Removal
- Air Cleaning Systems
- Air Purifiers for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Alternative Cleaning Supplies
- Carpet Alternatives, Sealants, and Sustainable Flooring
- Flexible Schedule
- Floor Cleaning/Stripping Products - Chemical Sensitivity
- Low/No Odor Paints and Stains
- Masks - Smoke Allergy
- Odor/Fragrance/Chemical Masks
- Personal Air Cleaner (Neckworn)
- Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
- Respirator Masks
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
Stress Intolerance
- Apps for Anxiety and Stress
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Counseling/Therapy
- Environmental Sound Machines / Tinnitus Maskers / White Noise Machines
- Flexible Schedule
- Job Restructuring
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- Supervisory Methods
- Support Animal
- Support Person
Suppressed Immune System
- Disability Awareness/Etiquette Training
- Hand Protection
- Policy Modification
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Worksite Redesign / Modified Workspace
Temperature Sensitivity
By Work Related Function
Air Quality/Irritants
- Air Cleaners & Purifiers
- Air Cleaners - Chemical/Odor Removal
- Air Cleaning Systems
- Air Purifiers for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
- Alternative Cleaning Supplies
- Carpet Alternatives, Sealants, and Sustainable Flooring
- Flexible Schedule
- Floor Cleaning/Stripping Products - Chemical Sensitivity
- Low/No Odor Paints and Stains
- Masks - Smoke Allergy
- Odor/Fragrance/Chemical Masks
- Personal Air Cleaner (Neckworn)
- Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR)
- Respirator Masks
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
Policies
- Additional Training Time / Training Refreshers
- Aide/Assistant/Attendant
- Flexible Schedule
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- Periodic Rest Breaks
- Policy Modification
- Reassignment
- Service Animal
- Supervisory Methods
- Support Animal
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
Stress
- Apps for Anxiety and Stress
- Behavior Modification Techniques
- Counseling/Therapy
- Flexible Schedule
- Job Restructuring
- Marginal Functions
- Modified Break Schedule
- Monitor Mirrors
- On-site Mentoring
- Service Animal
- Simulated Skylights and Windows
- Supervisory Methods
- Support Animal
- Support Person
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Uninterrupted Work Time
Temperature
- Air Deflectors
- Cold Resistant Gloves
- Cooling Clothing
- Fans
- Flexible Schedule
- Foot Warmers
- Heat Resistant Gloves
- Heated Clothing
- Heated Ergonomic and Computer Products
- Heated Gloves
- Modified Break Schedule
- Telework, Work from Home, Working Remotely
- Vent Covers
- Workstation Space Heaters
Situations and Solutions:

A psychiatric nurse with cancer was experiencing difficulty dealing with job-related stress.
He was accommodated with a temporary transfer and was referred to the employer’s employee assistance program for emotional support and stress management tools.

A lawyer with cancer was experiencing lapses in concentration due to the medication she was taking.
Her employer accommodated her by giving her uninterrupted time to work. She was also allowed to work at home two days a week.

A temporary agency provides computer programmers for companies
Once the programmers are assigned to a company, the company sets their schedules and production standards and provides all necessary equipment and supplies. The temp agency pays the programmers and addresses any issues that come up. One programmer was diagnosed with cancer and needed a flexible schedule, telework, and leave. Because both the temp agency and the company qualified as an employer of the programmer, they worked together to provide the necessary accommodations and to cover the work load when the programmer needed leave.

A meat packer with cancer had fatigue due to treatment for cancer.
The individual was offered a flexible schedule that changed his tasks to filling specialty order requests. These requests were made several weeks ahead of time and allowed for additional flexibility in hours.

A graphic design artist working for a non-profit requested to work at home two days a week to cope with side effects from cancer treatment.
The employer was open to the idea, but had not permitted employees to work at home before and was uncertain if this would be an effective solution for both the employee and the business. A JAN consultant suggested implementing working at home on a trial basis and offered JAN’s Sample Temporary/Trial Accommodation Approval Form to assist the employer in documenting the accommodation. Using practical ideas shared by JAN for implementing work at home as an accommodation, the employer drafted a trial accommodation agreement and approved the accommodation for a three-month period.

An employee with a history of cancer needed time off periodically to get follow up medical testing to make sure his cancer had not returned.
The employee had a history or record of a disability and therefore was entitled to an accommodation.

A secretary with cancer was having difficulty working full-time due to fatigue from chemotherapy treatments.
Her employer accommodated her by allowing her to work part-time and allowing her to take frequent rest breaks while working.

A customer service representative recovering from colon cancer had a colostomy bag, which often smelled of feces.
When confronted about this problem, the employee said she had been embarrassed about cleaning the bag in the employee restroom so she had not been cleaning it enough. She was provided with a private area to clean her bag.

An employee was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer and is having trouble with attendance due to the fatigue limitations associated with the chemotherapy.
The employee is running low on paid sick leave. The employer allowed the individual to work from home to enable the individual to work more easily as well as providing additional unpaid leave as an accommodation on days when the individual simply cannot work.

A machine operator who was undergoing radiation therapy for cancer was accommodated by having his workstation moved.
The move transferred the individual to an area of the plant where no radiation exposure existed.

A security guard with breast cancer was burned from radiation treatment.
She had difficulty wearing the polyester uniform with embroidered insignia that was required by company policy. The employer modified the dress code policy by having a uniform made of cotton material with the logo and employee name added with a no-sew iron-on adhesive.

A child care worker with cancer had difficulty walking through a campus environment.
The employee requested the ability to stay in one building. The employer contacted JAN for options. JAN suggested a mobility aid that the individual used solely for job functions.

A warehouse worker whose job involved maintaining and delivering supplies was having difficulty with the physical demands of his job due to fatigue from chemotherapy treatment.
The individual was accommodated with a three-wheeled scooter to reduce walking. The warehouse was also rearranged to reduce the individual’s climbing and reaching.

An engineer working for a large industrial company had to undergo radiation treatment for cancer during working hours.
She was provided a flexible schedule in order to attend therapy and also continue to work full-time.
JAN Publications & Articles Regarding Cancer
Publications
Accommodation and Compliance Series
Consultants' Corner Articles
- A Support Person as an Accommodation
- Accommodations for Housekeeping/Janitorial Workers with Industrial Injuries
- Accommodations Related to Commuting To and From Work
- Best Practices for Addressing Requests for Ergonomic Chairs
- Confidentiality of Medical Information under the ADA
- Hidden Disabilities: Confidentiality and Travel
- Using Ergonomics to Accommodate Limitations from Breast Cancer
Events Regarding Cancer
- Upcoming Events
- Past Recorded Module
- Past In-person Training
- Past Exhibit Booths
- Past Remote Monthly Series Training
-
JAN's The Value Proposition for Engaging People with DisabilitiesApril 6, 2016
-
JAN's Disability Awareness to Increase Your Comfort, Confidence, and CompetenceApril 6, 2016
-
JAN is here for YOU!September 28, 2016
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Linda Carter Batiste , Principal Consultant/Legislative Specialist
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
-
DEAM - A Disability Inclusion Intervention: What DE Members Need to Know to Move the Inclusion Needle ForwardApril 26, 2018
-
DMEC - ADA Basics: Competence Builds ConfidenceApril 30, 2018
-
DMEC - Who Wants to Be an ADA Guru?May 1, 2018
-
ADA Symposium - Unpacking the Reasonable Accommodation Conversation: Achieving Win/Win OutcomesJune 20, 2018
-
APSE - Employer Resource PanelJune 27, 2018
-
USBLN - JAN Academy 2018: Developing a NextGen Disability Inclusive WorkplaceJuly 9, 2018
-
EXCEL - Beyond the Diagnosis: A Transparent Look at Job Accommodations for Mental HealthJuly 10, 2018
-
ILG - Tools, Techniques, and Technologies for Creating Inclusive WorkplacesAugust 2, 2018
-
DMEC - Tools, Techniques, and Technologies for Creating Inclusive WorkplacesAugust 9, 2018
-
FDR - Disability Inclusion and Reasonable AccommodationsAugust 13, 2018
-
AK State HR Conference - Tools, Techniques, and Technologies for Creating Inclusive WorkplacesSeptember 21, 2018
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Lead Consultant — ADA Specialist
Presenters:
- Linda Carter Batiste , Principal Consultant/Legislative Specialist
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel , Lead Consultant – Cognitive/Neurological Team
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presentations
Handouts
Presenters:
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
Presentations
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presenters:
- Anne E. Hirsh , Co-Director
Presentations
Handouts
Presenters:
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
- Derek Shields, EARN
- Dexter Brooks, EEOC
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presentations
-
DMEC - FMLA/ADA Employer Compliance ConferenceApril 30, 2018
-
DMEC - FMLA/ADA Employer Compliance ConferenceMay 1, 2018
-
DMEC - FMLA/ADA Employer Compliance ConferenceMay 1, 2018
-
APSE Employment First, Employment for All National ConferenceJune 26, 2018
-
APSE Employment First, Employment for All National ConferenceJune 27, 2018
-
EEOC's 21st Annual EXCEL ConferenceJuly 10, 2018
-
EEOC's 21st Annual EXCEL ConferenceJuly 10, 2018
-
EEOC's 21st Annual EXCEL ConferenceJuly 11, 2018
-
EEOC's 21st Annual EXCEL ConferenceJuly 12, 2018
-
ILG National Conference - Navigating the Waves of ChangeAugust 1, 2018
-
ILG National Conference - Navigating the Waves of ChangeAugust 2, 2018
-
DMEC Annual ConferenceAugust 6, 2018
-
DMEC Annual ConferenceAugust 6, 2018
-
DMEC Annual ConferenceAugust 7, 2018
-
DMEC Annual ConferenceAugust 8, 2018
-
DMEC Annual ConferenceAugust 9, 2018
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presenters:
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
Presenters:
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
Presenters:
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
Presenters:
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presentations
Handouts
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
Presentations
Handouts
-
TransitionMay 9, 2017
-
JAN - R U Ok?October 17, 2017
-
JAN - Give Us Your Challenging, Your Bewildering, Your Unusual ADA IssuesNovember 14, 2017
-
JAN - Ask the JAN Motor TeamDecember 12, 2017
-
JAN - PAS and the New Section 501 Affirmative Action RequirementsJanuary 10, 2018
Presenters:
- Melanie Whetzel , Lead Consultant – Cognitive/Neurological Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Louis E. Orslene , JAN Co-Director
- Lori Golden, EY Abilities Strategy Leader, Americas Talent Team
- Mike Weiner, LMSW, Associate Director EY Assist, Ernst & Young, LLP
Presentations
Handouts
Presenters:
- Tracie DeFreitas , Lead Consultant — ADA Specialist
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Lisa Mathess , Lead Consultant, Motor Team
- Matthew McCord , Consultant – Mobility Team
Presentations
Transcripts
Presenters:
- Linda Carter Batiste , Principal Consultant/Legislative Specialist
- Beth Loy , Principal Consultant/Technical Specialist
- Anupa Iyer, Esq., CLMS, Policy Advisor, Office of Federal Operations (OFO), U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Presentations
Transcripts
Additional Notes:
This is a test of an asset note. This is a test of an asset note. This is a test of an asset note. This is a test of an asset note. This is a test of an asset note. This is a test of an asset note.
This is a test of an asset note. This is a test of an asset note. This is a test of an asset note.
Other Information Regarding Cancer
External Links
- EEOC's Cancer in the Workplace and the ADA
- EEOC's Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship under the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Everything You Need to Know about Cataplexy
- Living with Narcolepsy: At Work
- PART 1630—Regulations to Implement the Equal Employment Provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act
- Returning to Work After Cancer
- Returning to Work After Cancer Treatment
- Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998: Questions and Answers
Organizations
- Job Accommodation Network
- Office of Disability Employment Policy
- Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure
- American Bladder Cancer Society
- American Breast Cancer Foundation
- American Cancer Society
- American Chronic Pain Association
- American Institute for Cancer Research
- Army of Women
- Bite Me Cancer
- Blood Marrow Foundation
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation
- Cancer and Careers
- Cancer Care
- Cancer Legal Resource Center
- Cancer Support Community
- CancerCare, Inc.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Colon Cancer Alliance
- Foundation for Women's Cancer
- Kidney Cancer Association
- Livestrong Foundation
- Living Beyond Breast Cancer
- Lymphoma Research Foundation
- Male Cancer Awareness Campaign
- Mayo Clinic
- MedlinePlus
- Movember Foundation
- National Blood Clot Alliance
- National Bone Marrow Transplant Link
- National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.
- National Cancer Institute
- National Center for Biotechnology Information
- National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
- National Foundation for Cancer Research
- National Human Genome Research Institute
- National Institute on Aging
- National Kidney Foundation
- National Organization for Rare Disorders
- Office on Women's Health
- Orchid: Fighting Male Cancer
- Prevent Cancer Foundation
- Remedy's Health Communites
- Stand Up to Cancer
- Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
- The Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy
- United Cancer Assistance Network
- World Health Organization