The Incidence and Causes of Job-Related Problems Among Employed People with Cancer in Pennsylvania

Long‐term breast cancer survivors: confidentiality, disclosure, effects on work and insurance

“…This lack of concern may have been related to them feeling that cancer wasn't, or shouldn't be, shameful. However, one wonders whether knowing the potential full impact of a breach of confidentiality on future work and other economic aspects of life, these women would be so unconcerned about confidentiality (Fobair et al, 1986;Mor, 1986;Houts et al, 1989;Hoffman, 1990Hoffman, , 1991Rothstein, 1995).…”

“…While the effect on work was sometimes personal, in that it affected the woman's priorities or ambitions, systemic issues probably affected the over 12% of women who felt unable to fulfill their work and career potential, made a career change, decided to retire early, or were afraid to change jobs in case they became sick. It has been estimated that 25% of the 6 million persons in the United States with a cancer history experience disparate treatment in employment solely because of their medical histories (Mor, 1986;Houts et al, 1989;Hoffman, 1990Hoffman, , 1991. Most employers do not realize that over half of all cancer patients will survive over 5 years, that cancer is not contagious, and that survivors of cancer have the same productivity as other workers (Rothstein, 1995).…”

“…A later study found that a higher percentage of white collar survivors (78%) than blue collar survivors (63%) remained in their jobs 1 year after cancer diagnosis (Mor, 1986). However, discriminatory treatment including dismissal, denial of new jobs, demotions, loss of benefits, subtle bias, undesirable transfers, isolation and hostility in the workplace, and mandatory medical examinations unrelated to job performance are still reported (Wheatley et al, 1974;Stone, 1975;Wellisch, 1984;Fobair et al, 1986;Mor, 1986;Houts et al, 1989;Hoffman, 1990Hoffman, , 1991Rothstein, 1995). Although the stigma of cancer is far less than it was in past years, it seems that the effect of disclosing breast cancer may still sometimes be problematic in some personal and work situations.…”

“…The impact of breast cancer on work, insurance, confidentiality and disclosure has not been as well documented. There is both the potential for, and evidence of, discrimination in the work place and with insurers, and for the negative effects of physical symptoms, such as fatigue and loss of concentration, on work (Fobair et al, 1986;Mor, 1986;Houts et al, 1989;Hoffman, 1991;Carter, 1994;Hoffman, 1990). This study will describe these experiences from the perspective of Canadian women who have survived breast cancer for periods from 2 to 47 years.…”

Predicting and Treating the Sexual Difficulties of Gynecologic Cancer Survivors

“…[1] Among the medical concerns for these women include long-term/late effects of therapies (eg, recurrence, second malignancies), [2] emotional distress (eg, mood disturbance, traumatic stress), disrupted interpersonal relations, [3] sexuality concerns,4 and employment and occupational difficulties. [5,6] An evaluation of changes in quality of life following gynecologic cancer indicates that sexuality issues undergo the greatest disruption. Difficulties often begin with the signs and symptoms of the disease and continue as attempts are made to resume activity following treatment.…”