scholarly journals Investigating how cancer-related symptoms influence work outcomes among cancer survivors: a systematic review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia Jie Tan ◽  
Samantha Yin Ching Yip ◽  
Raymond Javan Chan ◽  
Lita Chew ◽  
Alexandre Chan
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Work Outcomes ◽  
Work Status ◽  
Employment Rates ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Body Image Issues

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate how different cancer-related symptoms influence work outcomes among cancer survivors. Methods A literature search was performed in PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Scopus to identify studies published between 1st January 1999 and 30th October 2020 that investigated the impact of specific cancer-related symptoms on work outcomes among cancer survivors who have completed primary antineoplastic treatment. Study findings were extracted and grouped by symptoms and work outcomes, allowing comparison of associations between these outcomes. Results Seventy-three articles representing 68 studies were eligible for inclusion. From these studies, 27 cancer-related symptoms, 9 work outcomes, and 68 unique associations between specific symptoms and work outcomes were identified. Work status (return to work and employment rates) was most commonly studied, and symptom burden was mainly measured from the patient’s perspective. Higher symptom burden was generally associated with trends of poorer work outcomes. Significant associations were reported in most studies evaluating body image issues and work status, oral dysfunction and work status, fatigue and work ability, and depression and work ability. Conclusion Several cancer-related symptoms were consistently associated with inferior work outcomes among cancer survivors. Body image issues and oral dysfunction were shown to be associated with poorer employment rates, while fatigue and depression were linked to lower levels of work performance. Implications for Cancer Survivors Failure to return to work and decreased productivity post-cancer treatment can have negative consequences for cancer survivors and society at large. Findings from this review will guide the development of work rehabilitation programs for cancer survivors. Protocol registration PROSPERO identifier CRD42020187754

scholarly journals A randomised feasibility trial of an employer-based intervention for enhancing successful return to work of cancer survivors (MiLES intervention)

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Greidanus ◽  
A. E. de Rijk ◽  
A. G. E. M. de Boer ◽  
M. E. M. M. Bos ◽  
P. W. Plaisier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Return To Work ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Work Outcomes ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Secondary Effect ◽  
Quality Of Working Life ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Background Employers express a need for support during sickness absence and return to work (RTW) of cancer survivors. Therefore, a web-based intervention (MiLES) targeted at employers with the objective of enhancing cancer survivors’ successful RTW has been developed. This study aimed to assess feasibility of a future definitive randomised controlled trial (RCT) on the effectiveness of the MiLES intervention. Also preliminary results on the effectiveness of the MiLES intervention were obtained. Methods A randomised feasibility trial of 6 months was undertaken with cancer survivors aged 18–63 years, diagnosed with cancer < 2 years earlier, currently in paid employment, and sick-listed < 1 year. Participants were randomised to an intervention group, with their employer receiving the MiLES intervention, or to a waiting-list control group (2:1). Feasibility of a future definitive RCT was determined on the basis of predefined criteria related to method and protocol-related uncertainties (e.g. reach, retention, appropriateness). The primary effect measure (i.e. successful RTW) and secondary effect measures (e.g. quality of working life) were assessed at baseline and 3 and 6 months thereafter. Results Thirty-five cancer survivors were included via medical specialists (4% of the initially invited group) and open invitations, and thereafter randomised to the intervention (n = 24) or control group (n = 11). Most participants were female (97%) with breast cancer (80%) and a permanent employment contract (94%). All predefined criteria for feasibility of a future definitive RCT were achieved, except that concerning the study’s reach (90 participants). After 6 months, 92% of the intervention group and 100% of the control group returned to work (RR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.81–1.03); no difference were found with regard to secondary effect measures. Conclusions With the current design a future definitive RCT on the effectiveness of the MiLES intervention on successful RTW of cancer survivors is not feasible, since recruitment of survivors fell short of the predefined minimum for feasibility. There was selection bias towards survivors at low risk of adverse work outcomes, which reduced generalisability of the outcomes. An alternative study design is needed to study effectiveness of the MiLES intervention. Trial registration The study has been registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NL6758/NTR7627).

scholarly journals Return-to-work outcomes in cancer survivors

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (10) ◽  
pp. 3005-3006 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Crevenna
Keyword(s):  
Return To Work ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Work Outcomes

scholarly journals Manager perspectives on workers’ return to work after cancer treatment

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Torp ◽  
Å Valle-Olsen ◽  
B Brusletto
Keyword(s):  
Return To Work ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Cancer Survivor ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Working Life ◽  
Good Care ◽  
Need Support ◽  
After Cancer ◽  
Depth Interviews

Abstract Background Due to improved cancer treatment, the survival rate of cancer is increasing Unfortunately, many cancer survivors suffer from serious late effects because of this treatment. Therefore, more and more cancer survivors with reduced work ability are, and will in the future be, in work. To include this group of workers in working life is a challenge for the society in general and for the enterprises in particular. The aim of this study was to investigate managers’ experiences regarding cancer survivors’ return to work (RTW). Methods We performed qualitative individual in-depth interviews with nine managers who had experience with workers who needed adaptations at work after cancer treatment. The interviews were transcribed in verbatim and thematically analyzed in accordance with guidelines for stepwise deductive-inductive analysis (Tjora, 2016). Results All managers emphasized the importance of taking good care of workers with serious diseases and to adapt work according to their work ability. The managers tried to follow the Work Environment Act and guidelines given by the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration but they experienced that the guidelines did not fit well with the needs of the cancer survivor and/or the enterprise. A good RTW process was dependent on an open dialog that was initiated early in the RTW trajectory to establish a sense of safe situation for both the cancer survivor and the company. A good RTW process could only be established if the colleagues of the survivor gave their support to both the survivor and the manager. In addition, it was of great importance that the needs of the cancer survivor had to be balanced by the production needs of the enterprise. Conclusions Managers need support from health personnel and social security agencies to support cancer survivors to retain work. Key messages Cancer survivors need adaptations at work. Managers are crucial in securing a successful vocational rehabilitation of cancer survivors.

scholarly journals The Impact of Provider Choice on Workers' Compensation Costs and Outcomes

ILR Review ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 121-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Neumark ◽  
Peter S. Barth ◽  
Richard A. Victor
Keyword(s):  
Return To Work ◽  
Work Outcomes ◽  
Workers Compensation ◽  
Policy Changes ◽  
Provider Choice ◽  
Compensation Claims ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Recent Policy ◽  
Physical Recovery ◽  
Prior Relationship

Using survey data collected in 2002 and 2003 in California, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Texas on workers injured 3 to 3.5 years earlier, coupled with information on the associated workers' compensation claims from the Workers Compensation Research Institute, the authors examine how provider choice in workers' compensation is related to costs and to workers' outcomes. They find that employee choice of the provider, by comparison with employer choice, was associated with higher costs and worse return-to-work outcomes. Although the same rate of physical recovery was found for both groups, workers who chose their providers reported higher satisfaction with medical care. The higher costs and worse return-to-work outcomes associated with employee choice arose largely when employees selected a new provider, rather than a provider with whom they had a pre-existing relationship. The findings lend some support to recent policy changes limiting workers' ability to choose a provider with whom they do not have a prior relationship.

scholarly journals Call for Alleviating Sexual Issues among Cervical Cancer Survivors' Women in Northern Upper Egypt

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 01-11
Author(s):  
Hanan Elzeblawy Hassan ◽  
Ragaa Ali Mohammed ◽  
Soad Abd El Salam Ramadan ◽  
Hagar kamal masaud
Keyword(s):  
Cervical Cancer ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Sexual Dysfunction ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Nursing Intervention ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Sexual Distress ◽  
Function Index ◽  
The Impact

Background: Cervical cancer affects all aspects of a patient’s life, including sexual functioning, body image, and intimacy. Aim: The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of a protocol of nursing intervention on sexual dysfunction and body image among cervical cancer survivors' women. Methods; Design: Α quаsi-experimentаl research design was conducted. Setting: out-patient clinic in the oncology unit at Ɓeni-Suef University Hospital. Subjects: A purposive sample of 70 women. Tools: Data was collected through а structured interviewing questionnаire sheet, femаle sexuаl function index, femаle sexuаl distress scаle, and body image scаle. Results: The results of the study reveаled that there was а high statistically significаnt difference in the women's totаl score of knowledge аbout cervical cancer, total scores of female sexuаl function index, female sexual distress scаle, аnd body image scale at post-intervention compared to pre-intervention (р<0.001). Conclusion: The study concluded that educational protocol, which provided to cervical cancer survivors' women, have a positive effect on their own knowledge, body image, and sexual function. Recommendations: disseminate the multidisciplinary collaboration approach for addressing sexual problems related to cervical cancer, and preparing health classes for cervical cancer women regarding sexual dysfunction with cervical cancer.

Body Image Issues Across Cancer Types

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vicky Lehmann ◽  
Marrit A. Tuinman
Keyword(s):  
Body Image ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Single Type ◽  
Treatment Side Effects ◽  
Subjective Evaluations ◽  
Core Components ◽  
Cancer Types ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Body Image Issues

Abstract: This chapter provides a broad overview of body image challenges experienced by cancer patients and survivors, first focusing on patient characteristics and common treatment side effects that can affect body image and then summarizing findings specific to certain clusters of diagnoses. Research in the area of body image and cancer has largely focused on patients with breast cancer. A growing body of research also recognizes the negative impact of altered appearance and functioning on body image outcomes of patients with sexual organ-related, gastrointestinal, head and neck, skin, and other cancers. Body image is typically evaluated within the context of a single type of cancer and rarely compared across different types. This chapter proposes a visibility-stability model as a conceptual framework to facilitate understanding of the impact of cancer on body image across cancer types. This framework further considers functional body changes and survivors’ subjective evaluations as core components.

scholarly journals A Jobseeker Assessment & Intervention Model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Darren Coppin ◽  
Joseph Ciarrochi ◽  
Baljinder K. Sahdra
Keyword(s):  
Return To Work ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Readiness For Change ◽  
Work Outcomes ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Employment Services ◽  
Psychological States ◽  
Australian Sample ◽  
Employment Rates

To what extent does a psychosocial intervention (PSI) improve employment rates for welfare-receiving jobseekers who differ in ethnicity, length of unemployment, physical location, gender, and readiness for change? Two large-scale studies (Study 1: 2,459 jobseekers, Study 2: 20,057 jobseekers) across a diverse Australian sample sought to assess factors that moderated the efficacy on return-to-work outcomes of a PSI program (comprising 31 evidence-based exercises that are purported to build psychological states such as self-efficacy, resilience, and well-being) when compared to a government-funded treatment as usual (TAU) re-employment service. Study 1 showed that the PSI was much more effective than TAU (20.4% increase in job placements), but only for jobseekers who were not already proactively engaged in seeking a job. Study 2 added a one-to-one intervention to the original group PSI workshop, informed by the transtheoretical (or stage of change) model and was shown to improve job placement rates regardless of stage of jobseeking readiness, gender, age and ethnicity (41.9% increase in job placements overall). However, the intervention was not effective for those living in remote areas. The results have implications for employment services aiming to deliver better return-to-work outcomes by segmenting and personalizing support for unemployed citizens.

scholarly journals Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity in Cancer Survivors: Predictors of Long-Term Patient Outcomes

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 821-828
Author(s):  
Eva Battaglini ◽  
David Goldstein ◽  
Peter Grimison ◽  
Susan McCullough ◽  
Phil Mendoza-Jones ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass Index ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Body Mass ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Symptom Burden ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Peripheral Neurotoxicity ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Burning Pain ◽  
The Impact

Background: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (CIPN) is a major adverse effect of cancer treatment. However, its impact remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact associated with CIPN on the lives of cancer survivors. Patients and Methods: A volunteer sample of 986 individuals who had received neurotoxic chemotherapy completed an anonymous, cross-sectional survey. Outcomes assessed included CIPN symptoms, pain, neuropathic pain, quality of life (QoL), physical activity, and comorbid health conditions via the Self-Administered Comorbidity Questionnaire. Results: Respondents had a mean age of 58 years (SD, 10.7), and 83.2% were female. Most were treated for breast (58.9%) or colorectal cancer (13.5%); had received docetaxel (32.7%), paclitaxel (31.6%), or oxaliplatin (12.5%); and had completed treatment 3.6 ± 3.5 years previously. We found that 76.5% of respondents reported current CIPN. Respondents reporting severe CIPN had poorer QoL, more comorbidities, and higher body mass index, and more often received multiple neurotoxic chemotherapies than those with mild CIPN. Respondents who completed the survey ≤1 year after completing chemotherapy did not differ in reported CIPN or pain compared with respondents who completed chemotherapy ≥6 years earlier. However, respondents who completed chemotherapy ≥6 years earlier reported better QoL. Multivariable linear regression analyses revealed predictors of CIPN severity as follows: F(7, 874) = 64.67; P<.001; R2 = 0.34, including pain (β = −0.36; P<.001), burning pain (β = 0.25; P<.001), sex (male sex associated with greater CIPN: β = 0.14; P<.001), years since completing chemotherapy (shorter time associated with greater CIPN; β = −0.10; P<.001), age (β = 0.80; P=.006), number of comorbid conditions (β = 0.07; P=.02), and body mass index (β = 0.07; P=.02). Conclusions: Respondents with a high CIPN symptom burden experienced poorer general health and QoL. Improvements in CIPN may be more likely soon after treatment. However, improvements in QoL may occur over time in those with chronic symptoms. CIPN seems to have lasting impacts on cancer survivors, and understanding risk factors is important to enable the design of further preventive and therapeutic management strategies.

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