By Lt. Eric Burgett
Few statements evoke as much distress, fear and anxiety as “You have cancer.” I was a 22-year-old recent college graduate and had been a rookie police officer in the police academy for only six weeks when I began experiencing severe symptoms — noticeable shortness of breath, a drop in lung capacity and, eventually, vomiting blood. Within 12 weeks, I underwent emergency surgery to remove a large mass from my chest cavity. This procedure, known as a median sternotomy (or open-heart surgery), required surgeons to cut through and separate my sternum to access the affected area. [1]
Waking up with a 10-inch scar and facing a long road to recovery, I received my official diagnosis: Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Stage 2B, cancer of the lymph nodes. Many questions raced through my mind: What exactly is cancer? What was my prognosis? If I survived, would I lose my job as a police officer?
I was overwhelmed with fear — both from the diagnosis and my worsening physical condition. Any sense of youthful invincibility was gone. The stress of the situation led to sleepless nights. During one particularly long and restless night filled with anxiety, I made a conscious decision: I would fight this disease, complete the police academy and finish my field training. This was the job I had always wanted, and I refused to give up.
Fortunately, my department and police academy reassured me that my job was secure and provided all necessary accommodations. I was unable to drive for a time, so fellow police cadets, my family and even the police academy commander would drive me around. Family, friends and fellow officers regularly checked in on me to see if I needed any assistance. Thanks to the incredible leaders at the Cleveland Heights Police Academy, I was given the first medical exemption by the Ohio Attorney General that extended my police academy due to missed time.
I successfully completed the police academy with academic distinction. During field training, I felt nauseous during a few shifts, was run down and needed a slight extension to improve my learning curve. Despite these challenges, I successfully passed the training. My department honored my request to work the night shift, enabling me to attend all my medical appointments. Their support was a great relief, allowing me to focus on my recovery.
I was diagnosed as being in remission within a year of my last treatment and have since helped others navigate a cancer diagnosis. This experience taught me the true strength of the bond among police officers — even for someone who had only recently earned their badge.
What is cancer?
The National Cancer Institute defines cancer as a disease that originates at the genetic level within cells. These cells can become abnormal due to various factors, such as heredity or environmental exposure, and begin replicating uncontrollably while evading the immune system. [2] As these abnormal cells multiply, they can form tumors, with some cancerous cells detaching and spreading to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. [2]
The extent of cancer’s spread is classified into stages, ranging from I to IV — with Stage I being the most localized and Stage IV indicating cancer in distant areas of the body. [2] With over 100 types of cancer, symptoms vary widely depending on the specific diagnosis and individual patient. [2]
In 2024 alone, an estimated 2,000,000 people will receive an initial cancer diagnosis, with approximately one-third succumbing to the disease. [3] Based on the numbers alone, surviving and thriving must be a possible plan.
As a police officer diagnosed with cancer, I have continued to use my investigative skills to gather as much information as possible about my condition to continue the fight. I am considered “cured” due to many years of remission, but there is always a possibility that the disease could return.
Cancer treatment
Cancer treatment focuses on destroying cancerous cells to halt their uncontrolled replication. [2] My treatment plan included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Depending on the diagnosis, other treatment options may include: [4]
- Hormone therapy
- Bone marrow transplant
- Targeted genetic therapy
While treatment strategies are supported by statistical data, each patient’s plan is tailored to their unique case. [2] Unfortunately, cancer treatments often come with significant side effects, including immune suppression, respiratory issues, reproductive complications and hair loss. [4]
During my treatment, I experienced noticeably impaired lung capacity due to radiation, a compromised immune system from chemotherapy and total hair loss. Despite this, I continued to perform my patrol duties and manage my symptoms while staying alert for any major health complications.
Workplace protections for police officers
Police officers diagnosed with cancer are legally protected in the workplace. Non-federal officers are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, which classifies many types of cancer as a disability. [4] Federal officers are protected under the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) guidelines.[4] Under these protections, cancer-related physical and mental challenges cannot be used as grounds for discrimination in hiring, training, promotion or termination.[4]
New police applicants cannot be rejected solely due to a cancer diagnosis. Similarly, current officers seeking promotion, special assignments such as detective or wishing to remain in their positions must be given the same opportunities as all eligible officers. While some officers may require extended sick leave, this should not be held against them. Penalizing them in such a way would be considered discrimination.
When I was first diagnosed, I was afraid I would lose my job, along with my income and health insurance. As a probationary police officer without a uniform, gun or union protection, I had no idea that my job was legally protected.
Reasonable accommodations
A reasonable accommodation is a job modification that enables employees with disabilities to perform essential duties. Employers are generally required to provide accommodations unless it causes undue hardship to the agency. [4] Police officers or any employee seeking a reasonable accommodation must disclose their disability and formally request any necessary modifications. [4]
An undue hardship for a police agency is determined on a case-by-case basis. The burden of proof does not fall on the police officer but rather on the agency. Departments with sufficient staffing and financial resources may be able to assign an officer to light duty for an extended period or create a special position until they can return to full duty. However, police departments are not required to provide light duty unless they offer the same accommodation to other officers in similar situations. Smaller departments with limited resources may have little need for a light-duty officer and, therefore, are not obligated to provide such accommodation.
During my year-long battle with cancer treatment, I attended multiple weekly medical appointments, including blood tests, imaging scans and follow-up exams. To manage these commitments, I requested a night shift assignment, allowing me to attend appointments without excessive sick leave. My department granted my request and assured me I could take additional time off whenever needed.
Life after cancer
Unlike a broken bone, which heals and is soon forgotten, cancer leaves a lasting impact. [5] Even after achieving “absence of disease,” many survivors continue to face physical and psychological challenges. [6] Healing extends beyond the body — it also requires mental and emotional recovery. [6]
Police officers face daily stress throughout their careers, and the added burden of a cancer diagnosis can push this stress to crisis levels, requiring additional support. While attending the FBI National Academy #281 in 2022, I chose the Leading At-Risk Employees course taught by Heidi Ramsey. This life-changing and enlightening course made me realize for the first time that I had been the “at-risk employee” when I was diagnosed with cancer — I could have benefited from advice from my older self. Any employee facing a serious illness needs information about their diagnosis, legal protections and guidance on managing the physical and mental challenges that come with it.
During my diagnosis, treatment and even after being declared in remission, I experienced heightened mental stress, sleeplessness, long-term lung damage and uncertainty about how I would cope in the future. To manage this, I channeled my negative stress into productive activities like exercise and learning home improvement skills — unknowingly applying the principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). [7]
Police officers should not limit themselves to CBT. To support long-term well-being, the Mayo Clinic also recommends the following: [6]
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Prioritize exercise and proper nutrition.
- Attend all follow-up medical appointments: Ask questions and be open with healthcare providers.
- Seek emotional support: Talk to loved ones, join a support group, or consult a mental health professional.
- Engage in hobbies and maintain a routine: While feelings of anxiety, depression and grief are normal, establishing a daily structure can help.
The stressful nature of police work makes a cancer diagnosis even more overwhelming — not only for the officer but also for their family and department. While this article is not an exhaustive medical resource, I hope it provides a degree of clarity and reassurance.
Now, 23 years after my diagnosis, I continue to serve in my police department in a leadership position, unhindered by my past illness. I am grateful every day to remain cancer-free and proud to be part of the growing number of survivors who view their experience not just as a challenge, but as an opportunity for growth, empowerment and deeper connections. [5]
References
- Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Sternotomy.
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024). Cancer.
- National Cancer Institute. (2021). Understanding Cancer.
- American Cancer Society. (2025). Americans with Disabilities Act: Information for People Facing Cancer.
- Andrykowski M, Lykins E, Floyd A. (2008). Psychological Health in Cancer Survivors. Semin Oncol Nurs. 24(3): 193–201.
- Mayo Clinic. (2022). Cancer Survivors: Managing Your Emotions After Cancer Treatment.
- American Psychological Association. (2017). What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
About the author
Lieutenant Eric Burgett has served with the Middleburg Heights Police Department in the Cleveland, Ohio area for 23 years. He currently oversees the Administrative Services Division and specializes in executive leadership, project management, policy consulting and compliance. In addition to his law enforcement duties, Lt. Burgett is an adjunct professor, teaching courses in Police Supervision, Ethics for Criminal Justice, and Interviews and Interrogations.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Baldwin Wallace University and a Master of Arts in criminal justice administration from Tiffin University. He is also a proud graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College (PELC) 76 and the FBI National Academy class 281.