The Person I Used To Be: Employment Experiences of Young Adults with Cancer

Purpose: Adults can experience employment-related hardships after a cancer diagnosis but young adults at the beginning of their careers may face unique challenges. This study explored the impact of cancer on young adults’ employment experiences. Methods: : The authors conducted 27 qualitative semi-structured interviews with young adults who had received a cancer diagnosis. Results: : Participants encountered mixed workplace support. Many reported that they did not have the benefits, such as time off or short-term disability insurance, that would have ameliorated some challenges encountered during treatment. They also shared that many workplaces do not do an adequate job of informing people with cancer about federal laws that protect people with disabilities. Most participants reported that the cancer diagnosis and treatment caused them to rethink their career trajectory. Conclusions: : Cancer affects young adults in ways that present distinct struggles attributable to less access to resources. Career choices and the consequent opportunities for on-the-job training can have lifelong import. Implications for Cancer Survivors: Disability and discrimination laws do not protect all employees. Young adult cancer survivors may need to conduct their own research into these protections so they can receive entitled benefits. They and employers may also benefit from workplace interventions or trainings to lessen the employment consequences of cancer.