Title

Cancer Survivors and Employment Discriminations

Author

Dennis J. Varva, Concordia University, St. Paul

Date

2001

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Chairperson (Advisor 1)

Dr. Kimora Kachelmyer

Reader (Advisor 2)

Dr. Robert DeWerff

Abstract

Cancer survivors face a number of challenges from the time they learn they have cancer. The author knows this, being a cancer survivor himself. If the cancer survivor is of employment age they may face yet another challenge: employment discrimination. This paper will demonstrate that this type of discrimination does take place and the ways in which this discrimination manifests itself.

The author’s hope is that by exposing and discussing employment discrimination against cancer survivors, employees and employers may both be served. The employee will benefit by realizing this discrimination can and does occur. With this knowledge, the cancer survivor will know the signs to look for, and the appropriate actions to take if they occur.

Employers, including managers and members of influence within an organization, can be served from this paper by learning the difference between myth and fact about cancer. Employers will further learn their legal responsibilities when dealing with cancer survivors, and usually with very little if any accommodation cancer survivors are just as productive as any other employee is.

Cancer survivors and employers need to realize that the hope of good ethics alone will not eliminate this type of discrimination. Through communication and education, they may together stop employment discrimination against cancer survivors.

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