RESOURCE GUIDE / 2009

Features

About Cancer: What is Cancer?Understanding cancer means knowing it's more than one disease 

About Cancer: Cancer TherapiesAn easy-to-understand explanation of the various types of cancer treatment 

About Cancer: Pathology & StagingHow much, what it looks like, and where it is guide diagnosis and treatment 

At Diagnosis: Dealing With EmotionsHow to recognize normal reactions at diagnosis and when you need help 

At Diagnosis: Special Issues by AgeWhether you're diagnosed in your 30s or your 60s, age impacts what you do next 

Before Treatment: Medical DecisionsSix steps for handling the stress of choosing treatment 

Before Treatment: Seeking a Second OpinionWhy and how to get another opinion about your diagnosis or treatment 

Before Treatment: Understanding Clinical TrialsWhat you need to know to decide if a clinical trial is right for you 

Before Treatment: Insurance IssuesStrategies to make sure you're getting the most out of your insurance plan 

During Treatment: Side Effects of TherapyToxic effects caused by treatment have their own management strategies

During Treatment: Nutrition FactsAnswers to important questions about nutrition and diet 

During Treatment: Financial MattersOrganization and help are crucial in managing your finances during treatment 

After Treatment: A Post-Treatment PrescriptionPatients are no longer on their own when treatment ends 

After Treatment: Exercise & RecoveryPhysical activity can help improve mental and physical functioning after cancer treatment 

After Treatment: Back to 'Normal'Strategies help patients adjust to life after treatment 

For the Caregiver: A New RoleNavigating the challenging territory of caregiving 

For the Caregiver: Taking Care of YourselfHow and why caregivers should care for themselves 

Job Hunting

Advice for survivors 

Finding new employment after cancer can add anxiety to an already stressful job hunt. Most experts suggest not volunteering your medical history to a potential employer before a job offer has been extended. On the other hand, you may want to share your survivorship status as a way to demonstrate your perseverance. 

If you choose to withhold your cancer history, know that falsifying information on a résumé or job application and lying during an interview could be grounds for termination and your health insurance could be taken away. Although it is illegal for a potential employer to ask about previous medical issues if it does not relate to the job, you might sidestep the issue with a positive statement on the topic.

Seek help from a job counselor on how to answer questions related to your diagnosis. Practice answering certain questions you may be asked, like employment gaps or why you left your previous position. Restructure your résumé to highlight experience and skills rather than a chronological résumé if there are gaps in employment. 

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