Breast cancer treatment and work disability: Patient perspectives

Abstract

The different experiences will require different types of support, especially concerning communication around disability and returning to work. Our findings highlight the need of an individual approach of the management of work disability for breast cancer patients.

Felt Needs for Rehabilitation After Breast Cancer Treatment in Mexico

“…In particular, they were neither told nor they themselves requested for rehabilitation care for the experienced discomfort. In accordance with previous studies [43,44], many women tried to handle their bothers either by changing the usual way in which they carried out an activity, by modifying their work schedule, or by eliminating tasks considered too diicult to perform. The relatively lack of assistance from spouse, family members, or friends to carry out daily activities also needs to be considered, as it can afect the interaction of this women with their family and social environment [43].…”

Supporting Return-to-Work in the Face of Legislation: Stakeholders’ Experiences with Return-to-Work After Breast Cancer in Belgium

“…A general answer seems hard to give because of the large variation in experiences. In an earlier study [4] we found that the experiences of women (employees) as regards being work disabled due to breast cancer varied widely. Three main types of experiences were distinguished: a 'disruption' with irreparable loss, an 'episode' after which life continues as before, and a 'meaningful period' after which new life priorities are set.…”

“…Three main types of experiences were distinguished: a 'disruption' with irreparable loss, an 'episode' after which life continues as before, and a 'meaningful period' after which new life priorities are set. Perhaps only the women who experience their breast cancer period as an episode might be capable of initiating straightforward RTW [4].…”

“…Many employees with breast cancer do not feel adequately supported in the RTW process [3]. Moreover, these women experience their work incapacity in very different ways, highlighting the need for an individual and flexible approach from all professionals involved in the RTW process [4].…”

Workplace support after breast cancer treatment: recognition of vulnerability

“…Qualitative research is needed to explore how RTW is experienced, and this research focuses on both the phases preceding actual RTW and that after actual RTW. Previous qualitative research showed that breast cancer patients experienced their work disability in numerous different ways, highlighting the need for an individual approach to the management of sickness absence [11]. During their absence from work, they further appeared to mentally prepare their RTW by considering carefully how to make the transition from being ill to returning to work [12].…”