Can my employer fire me because of Glioblastoma

Employment Protection and Glioblastoma: What You Need to Know

This is an important question, and the answer involves legal protections that exist specifically to prevent discrimination based on cancer diagnosis.

Legal Protections You Have

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the primary federal law protecting you. Under the ADA, glioblastoma qualifies as a disability because it substantially limits major life activities. This means:

• Your employer cannot fire you simply because you have glioblastoma
• Your employer must provide reasonable accommodations (like flexible scheduling for treatment, modified work duties, or medical leave)
• Your employer cannot discriminate against you based on your diagnosis
• You're protected even if you need time off for surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or other treatments

The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may also apply if your employer has 50+ employees. This allows you to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for serious health conditions.

Important Limitations

However, these laws have boundaries:

• Your employer can still fire you for legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons (poor performance unrelated to your illness, company restructuring, etc.)
• You must be able to perform the essential functions of your job, with or without reasonable accommodations
• If your condition makes it impossible to do your job safely, even with accommodations, that's a more complex situation

What You Should Do

1. Inform your employer/HR about your diagnosis and any accommodations you'll need
2. Document everything - keep records of your diagnosis, treatment schedule, and any conversations about accommodations
3. Request accommodations in writing - be specific about what you need
4. Know your rights - the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) enforces the ADA
5. Consider consulting an employment attorney who specializes in disability law - many offer free initial consultations

Resources for More Information

• EEOC.gov - Information on ADA rights and how to file a complaint
• Cancer Support Community - Offers resources on employment rights for cancer patients
• Your state's labor department - May have additional protections beyond federal law

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions, and consider speaking with an employment attorney about your specific situation.