Background The effect of cancer on employment and retirement status in an older work force is not well understood. This study examines whether cancer survivors were less likely to be working than a sibling comparison group. Objectives To compare work-related variables between older cancer survivors and a group of non-cancer sibling controls. A secondary objective was to evaluate the effect of cancer site and time since cancer diagnosis on work-related variables. Methods Data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (WLS) were used to assess work outcomes in cancer survivors (+CA, n=539, mean age=65.81, SD=4.75 years) and non-cancer sibling controls (−CA, n=539, mean age=63.95, SD=5.31 years). Results Survivors (+CA group) were more likely to report not working (61.8%) and to be completely retired (55%) than the −CA group (48.3% not employed; 42% retired). Controlling for age, gender and education, this effect persisted with the +CA group more likely to be not working (OR=1.40; 95% CI=1.08 to 1.83) and completely retired (OR=1.36; 95% CI=1.05 to 1.77) than the −CA group. Neither time since diagnosis nor cancer site affected work outcomes. Conclusions In this study, older +CA survivors were less likely to be working and more likely to be completely retired than −CA sibling controls. Future research should evaluate factors affecting work status among older cancer survivors.

A major consequence of surviving cancer is that treatment-related symptoms can persist and result in work disability. This problem will continue to escalate as treatment becomes more successful and the workforce ages. Employment is a critical component of quality of life, yet no effective intervention exists to improve employment outcomes following a cancer diagnosis. An innovative, interdisciplinary approach to improve work ability was used to develop a web-based, information support system for breast cancer survivors. Strategies from human factors engineering (HFE), decision support, and oncology symptom management were used to develop the WISE (Work ability Improvement through Symptom management and Ergonomic education), a survivor-centered intervention. The conceptual framework for the WISE is based on a macroergonomics work systems model that evaluates aspects of the work system and its interaction with the individual. The content and format of the WISE is based on recommendations from subject matter experts and end users. Application of HFE methods may empower survivors to maximize employment and economic self-sufficiency. The purpose of this poster presentation is to report on the content development and refinement of the WISE.

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