Legal Recourse for the Cancer Patient-Returnee: The Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Abstract

Recent advances in medical research have dramatically improved the survival rate for individuals with a history of cancer. Large numbers of these “cancer patient-returnees” encounter job discrimination since many employers believe that to hire or maintain them would pose substantial future business risks. This Note argues that cancer patientreturnees may seek relief under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The Note concludes that an employer's costs arising out of future risks are too insignificant to justify denial of job opportunities to cancer patientreturnees under the Act.