Sharing Your Diagnosis Is a Personal Decision
- Actress Gina Bellman, 57, is known for recurring roles on TV series like “Leverage” and “Coupling” revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment last year. Following Princess of Wales Kate Middleton’s public announcement, she was inspired to share her diagnosis.
- Some people battling a disease or cancer are open to sharing their experiences as much as they can, while others prefer to keep it to themselves. SurvivorNet experts say both approaches and everything in between are valid.
- Bellman said after undergoing cancer treatment, she wanted to get back to acting as swiftly as possible. Some cancer patients can continue to work during cancer treatment, while others may need to take some time away. Doctors recommend returning to work, if possible, as it helps cancer patients regain a sense of normalcy.
- The Rehabilitation Act may protect cancer patients who choose to work but need accommodations on the job, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
“I didn’t have the courage to go public,” Bellman wrote on social media.
Read More“I’m back in stilettos and filming 14-hour days. For those undergoing treatment right now – there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Bellman said.
In the wake of sharing her breast cancer diagnosis, Bellman’s army of fans showered her with words of encouragement.
“My hero and inspiration,” X user Jesse Coffey wrote.
“Thank you for sharing on your terms. It is how it should always be. Think not about courage; you simply need to keep your own confidence during that time to get through it. And I say you do whatever it takes! I am overjoyed you are back and better than ever,” X user ThisRedHead wrote.
Helping Patients Cope with a Cancer Diagnosis
Building the Courage to Share
Middleton received global praise for her willingness to share that she is battling cancer and is currently undergoing preventative chemotherapy. After a candid social media video, the royal princess asked for privacy as she and her family continued embarking on this new journey.
Some people battling a disease or cancer are open to sharing their experiences as much as they can, while others prefer to keep it to themselves or close loved ones. SurvivorNet experts say both approaches and everything in between, are valid.
“Patients who have just been diagnosed with cancer sometimes wonder how they are going to handle the diagnosis of the cancer in social situations,” psychiatrist Dr. Lori Plutchik explains.
Questions like “How much information should they share and with whom should they share the information?” are things Plutchik says patients take into consideration.
Dr. Plutchik explains, “There is no one right way to handle this diagnosis. People should do what feels right to them.”
A cancer journey can last months to years, which means cancer warriors may be experiencing a lot of uncertainty until they fully understand where their health stands. This uncertainty can influence when a cancer patient is ready to share their diagnosis, Dr. Plutchik further explained.
Dr. Plutchik stresses that those close to a person going through cancer should be respectful of their wishes when it comes to disclosing their diagnosis and seeking support.
Getting Back to Work After Cancer Treatment
Bellman was adamant about returning to the set and filming after completing breast cancer treatment.
Oncology experts and social workers have told SurvivorNet they recommend working during cancer treatment if you can.
Catherine The Princess of Wales displayed such composure and grace today in her heartbreaking announcement. Hoping her treatment is successful and also for a kinder world.
— Gina Bellman (@Ginabellman) March 22, 2024
“We always encourage people to continue to work if they can,” said Sarah Stapleton, a clinical social worker at Montefiore Medical Center.
“I think it creates a sense of normalcy for patients,” Stapleton adds.
Not only does working provide a needed source of income, but it also reminds you that you have a life apart from cancer.
Stapleton highlights that if you can work, you’ll be busy and may not be constantly worrying about how your treatment is going.
WATCH: Working during cancer.
Additionally, sometimes cancer can make you feel isolated and lonely, and being around people for work can alleviate feelings of loneliness.
It’s important to talk with your doctor before taking the big step of going back to work. Some people can continue to work during cancer treatment, while others may need to take some time away. Remember, sometimes cancer treatment can cause fatigue, leaving you unable to fulfill your duties as you once could.
What Are Your Rights as a Cancer Patient Wishing to Work?
People facing cancer may wonder how treatment could affect their job. It’s important to know that some accommodations can make working through cancer a little easier.
The Rehabilitation Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act protects some people with job problems related to cancer. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may also benefit others. This law allows many people with serious illnesses to take unpaid leave to get medical care or manage their symptoms.
Your human resources department should be able to share with you your options.
WATCH: Can my cancer get me fired?
In some situations, employers must accommodate a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless the employer can show it would be an undue hardship to do so. This could mean making changes to work schedules, equipment, or policies.
On the other hand, employees are not expected to provide accommodations that cause “undue hardships” or “significant difficulty or expense,” according to the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission.
Find out more about job accommodations and employment of people with limitations from the Job Accommodation Network. Your human resources department should also be able to share with you your options.
Laurie Ostacher, a behavioral health clinician, recommends cancer patients talk with their employer about accommodations they may need upon returning to work.
Questions for Your Doctor
If you are battling cancer and are feeling open to working during treatment, consider the following questions for your doctor first.
- What’s the current prognosis of my cancer?
- What are the potential side effects of my recommended treatment?
- Will the side effects affect my ability to travel to work, or will remote work be better for me?
- How long is my treatment expected to last?
- If I cannot return to work as normal, what financial resources are available while I take a leave of absence?
- Can a social worker or patient navigator help me work through my options?
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