Return to Work of Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Due to improving treatment options, the number of so-called long-term cancer survivors is steadily increasing. Current studies assume that more than 60% of adults survive their cancer. These patients have a variety of problems (chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, fatigue, etc.) that require very special care. In addition to somatic and psychological side effects of the cancer or its treatment, these patients also suffer from the financial and social consequences of the disease. Thus, for a long-term survivor of working age, the question of a ‘return to work' represents a significant problem since otherwise the financial existence of the patient, and often the family, may substantially deteriorate. Studies show that cancer patients classify financial worries with regard to the quality of life as more significant than physical or psychological side effects of the cancer or its treatment. Furthermore, there are initial studies showing that the social descent due to the disease may also prove relevant for cancer prognosis. In contrast, it was shown in studies and in a Cochrane analysis that professional assistance and support services are suitable for keeping patients in their professional lives. Therefore, both patients and physicians need to be aware of this problem.

Colorectal cancer survivors' challenges to returning to work: A qualitative study

“…It furthermore is crucial that employers learn more about the effects of cancer and its treatment—as echoed by survivor participants in our study—as lack of knowledge can serve as a barrier to survivors' RTW (McKay, Knott, & Delfabbro, ; Stergiou‐Kita et al, ; Tiedtke, Dierckx De Casterle, Donceel, & Rijk, ). Similarly, improving communication between employees and frontline managers can foster trust in divulging sensitive information (Gudbergsson, Fosså, Lindbohm, & Dahl, ; Seifart & Schmielau, ). Prior studies indicate that certain elements of employee–employer communication facilitate workplace interaction, including communication that is respectful of survivors' values and preferences, elicits information about survivors' work limitations and required accommodations, and includes regular check‐ins to assess their well‐being (Dorland et al, ; Frazier et al, ; Tiedtke et al, ).…”

A model of identity grounded in the acute season of survivorship

“…Patients in this study described a number of phenomena that have been described elsewhere including changes in established relationships, shifts in caregiver roles, disconnection from work, and alteration in physical appearance . This study connects these phenomena to engagement in the health care recipient domain through a framework of identity.…”

Introduction to special section on: current topics in cancer survivorship and work

“…Almost a decade and a half later, we have seen a rapid increase in articles and reviews on cancer survivorship and work. These articles have shown that cancer survivors do indeed have a higher risk of unemployment or no return to work compared with healthy individuals [3,7]. Most of these studies have been limited to survivors of breast cancer, short-term work outcomes (up to 5 years) and North American or European populations [3,7].…”

“…These articles have shown that cancer survivors do indeed have a higher risk of unemployment or no return to work compared with healthy individuals [3,7]. Most of these studies have been limited to survivors of breast cancer, short-term work outcomes (up to 5 years) and North American or European populations [3,7]. The most frequently studied long-term effects of cancer treatment affecting sustainable work participation include fatigue, physical problems, anxiety and depression [8].…”