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USA: Work and study

Leukaemia treatment usually lasts months and changes plans for work and study. This chapter explains how to combine work and study with treatment in the USA.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a quiet desk under a soft lamp with a closed laptop.
Figure 1.Working from home can help during treatment.

01Short answer

During intensive treatment many people take a break from work or study. Later a gradual return is possible: shorter days, working from home, online classes. Ask your doctor for a letter for your employer or school. Check the rules on sick leave, benefits and disability in the USA with the official bodies and your HR department. You decide whom to tell about your diagnosis, and how much.

02Simple explanation

Taking a break is normal.

Gradual return: shorter days, working from home.

A letter comes from your doctor.

03Scientific explanation

Work and cancer: the American Cancer Society (ACS) notes that many people work during or after treatment, and adjusting work arrangements helps.

Fatigue: according to the NCI, cancer-related fatigue can last for months after treatment.

04What happens in the body?

Working during treatment

Infection risk is high during intensive courses. If remote work is possible, discuss it with your employer. Avoid contact with unwell colleagues.

Study

Pupils and students can discuss home or online learning and postponed exams with their school or university. A doctor’s letter helps.

On a dark navy background, books and a tablet on a blanket.
Figure 2.Study can continue at home.

Returning

Start with short days, take breaks and build up gradually. Fatigue that comes in waves is normal.

On a dark navy background, three glowing steps rising toward a doorway.
Figure 3.The return is gradual.

Local notes: USA

In the USA, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects many workers from discrimination, and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave a year.

05Returning to work in four steps

Unhurried and planned.

Letter — A note from your doctor.1LetterA note from your doctor.
Hours — Shorter working hours.2HoursShorter working hours.
Remote — Work or study from home.3RemoteWork or study from home.
Breaks — Time to rest.4BreaksTime to rest.
IncomeThe job is kept.
RhythmEveryday life returns.
HealthThe workload fits your strength.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
Working during treatmentInfection risk is high during intensive courses. If remote work is possible, discuss it with your employer. Avoid contact with unwell colleagues.
StudyPupils and students can discuss home or online learning and postponed exams with their school or university. A doctor’s letter helps.
ReturningStart with short days, take breaks and build up gradually. Fatigue that comes in waves is normal.
Local notes: USAIn the USA, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects many workers from discrimination, and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) gives eligible employees up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave a year.

07Key terms

Sick note
A document confirming you cannot work.
Adjustment
A change to working conditions.
Fatigue
Tiredness that does not go away with rest.
Remote work
Working from home.

08Key points

  • A break is normal.
  • Get a letter from your doctor.
  • Return gradually.
  • Check your rights with official sources.
  • You decide whom to tell.

09Frequently asked questions

Must I tell my employer?

It is your choice, but a medical letter may be needed to arrange adjustments.

When can I go full-time?

When your strength and counts allow; agree it with your doctor.

When can a child go back to school?

The haematologist decides, taking vaccinations and infections in class into account.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Must I tell my employer?

  2. When can I go full-time?

  3. When can a child go back to school?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Adjusting to Cancer
  3. U.S. Department of Labor. Family and Medical Leave Act
  4. Rijksoverheid. Geneesmiddelen (in Dutch)
  5. Sanquin. Official website
  6. Matchis. Dutch stem cell donor centre (in Dutch)
  7. CAK. Official website (in Dutch)
  8. Patiëntenfederatie Nederland. Official website (in Dutch)
  9. NFK (Dutch Federation of Cancer Patient Organisations). Official website (in Dutch)
  10. Voedingscentrum (Netherlands Nutrition Centre). Official website (in Dutch)
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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