Disclosing cancer

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bevrich
bevrich Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer
Disclosing cancer
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  • bevrich
    bevrich Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2007

    I completed my treatments last June & is currently on Tamoxifen. I've since relocated to another state and is looking for a new job. Am I obligated to tell interviewers and later employer that I had cancer?

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  • Bugs
    Bugs Member Posts: 1,719
    edited December 2007

    If your treatment is complete and there is no restrictions on you, then you have no reason to tell interviewers your history.  You DO have to disclose when you fill out your employment papers (i.e. health insurance).

    I have been on a few interviews since ending treatment and have said nada about my cancer.

    Bugs

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  • bevrich
    bevrich Member Posts: 3
    edited December 2007

    You DO have to disclose when you fill out your employment papers (i.e. health insurance).

    Thanks for responding. Now I wonder if I could be denied insurance when I get a new job.

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  • CherrylH
    CherrylH Member Posts: 1,077
    edited December 2007

    Bevrich,

    I switched jobs after tx and, because there was no lapse in my coverage, I did not have  to disclose my dx. This may vary from state to state, I' m in IL, but I would contact the insurance commission in your state. My understanding is, that if  there is no lapse in coverage, there is no pre-existing condition.

    Cherryl

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  • LuAnnH
    LuAnnH Member Posts: 8,847
    edited December 2007

    You do not need to disclose anything about your cancer while interviewing.  After a job offer is made and an employer asks any questions about your health then you can disclose it.  Otherwise, unless it interferes with the job you are interviewing for it is only your business.

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  • JoelKM
    JoelKM Member Posts: 205
    edited December 2007

    Do not disclose any health information that doesn't influence your job performance. Ever. If an employer knows that you have a condition that may increase their group premiums, they will take that into account when deciding who to hire.

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  • VickiTN
    VickiTN Member Posts: 361
    edited December 2007

    You most certainly are NOT obligated to disclose your health information to an employer or potential employer. And, as long as there's not a lapse in your insurance coverage the new employer's group insurance must cover you and your pre-existing condition.

    Your new employers should not ask you any questions about your health - please refer to the HIPPA law...unless your health requires special needs on the job, you have no obligation to disclose your health information and your employer is not allowed to ask you about it either.

    hugs,

    vicki

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  • ADK
    ADK Member Posts: 2,259
    edited December 2007

    Why would you have to disclose it if it didn't affect your ability to do a job, Pam?  If you have to disclose it just because, that is not right.

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  • LuAnnH
    LuAnnH Member Posts: 8,847
    edited December 2007

    Pam,

    I freaked out because an employer wanted a physical before I started the job.  I wasn't asked to take the physical until the job offer was on the table.  At that point they could not recind it based on my prior cancer.  I am not even sure why I needed the physical because my job was to maintain their computer system.  If they were to recind the job offer after the physical because of the cancer I would have had a major lawsuit against them.  Turned out fine, I went to work and held that job until they went bankrupt.....(probably because of my health premium  LOL)

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  • TerryNY
    TerryNY Member Posts: 603
    edited December 2007

    Pam, a huge difference that I see in this situation is that you're automatically covered for health conditions in Canada.  Here in the states, you take your chances.   I guess luck is which side of the fence you're sitting on!   LOL

    I would not disclose any prior health problems in an interview here.  

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  • snowyday
    snowyday Member Posts: 1,478
    edited December 2007

    Pam I've been wondering about that myself and I'm Canadian.  I've worked for a lot of places where they haven't asked me for a physical.  But I'm hoping to get into a position with Gov't Services. Apparantly there are alot of people leaving due to retirement.  It would be a perfect job with all the Municipal experience I have. What LuAnn said makes sense, it the offer is on the table and they ask you for a physical that could cause a law suit.  I'm usually very honest in interviews and don't stretch my resume so hopefully when the time comes I'll luck out. 

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  • snowyday
    snowyday Member Posts: 1,478
    edited December 2007

    Your right it is irrelevent if they don't ask don't offer.  And we do have it easier up here because the employer doesn't pay for health care.  I don't even think they are allowed to ask about previous health conditions. They can legally only ask if you have any "issues" that would prevent you from working full time/part time/or OT if needed.   I've had a bad back since well before 1989 and know one ever asked me about it, and as I recall the union also said they had no right to ask. Pretty good human rights in Canada.   But if I didn't think I could do the job I would submit my resume.

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  • LuAnnH
    LuAnnH Member Posts: 8,847
    edited December 2007

    In the US a potential employer is not allowed to ask certain questions, your health is one of those things that cannot be asked.  We would not have a questionairre or anything we would have to disclose any type of health information prior to getting a job offer.  It falls under the discrimination laws.  They can't ask whether you have kids or how old they are, race and religion are other big no no's for employers.

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  • konakat
    konakat Member Posts: 6,085
    edited October 2008

    I know this is an "old" thread but I have to chime in.  I am a Canadian now working in the US.  Re. employee rights and what can be asked (or not) during an interview are pretty well the same in the US and Canada.  The US has HIPAA, Canada has PIPEDA w.r.t. privacy laws. 

    Re. in Canada -- you certainly do not have to disclose any prescriptions, health info unless the job requires it -- i.e., the physical aspects of the job requires certain levels physical health. As far as I know it is the same in the US.

    In Canada, if your employer gives benefits for prescriptions, you just submit the receipt to the insurer and get your money -- it is an invasion of privacy for the insurance company to share any med info with the employer. 

    Overall, both countries protect an individual's privacy and rights.  The big difference is that the gov't covers health care in Canada and you don't have to worry about not affording treatment. 

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  • Curlylocks
    Curlylocks Member Posts: 1,060
    edited October 2008

    The only problem you would have in Canada for Insurance would be getting additional life insurance due to pre-existing conditions. 

    Michele 

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