scholarly journals Understanding Cancer Survivors' Employment Experiences When Returning to Work After Primary Treatment: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 119s-119s
Author(s):  
R. Urquhart ◽  
E.K. Drake
Keyword(s):  
Return To Work ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Phenomenological Approach ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Insurance Companies ◽  
Primary Cancer

Background: Worldwide, the number of people surviving cancer long-term is growing. This is due to an increase in incidence rates, coupled with earlier detection and improved treatments. Among the difficulties many cancer survivors face are the unique challenges associated with reintegrating back into the work environment after an absence for primary treatment. Aim: To explore cancer survivors' perspectives on and experiences with employment during their return to work (RTW) following primary cancer treatment. Methods: Guided by an interpretive phenomenological approach, this prospective qualitative longitudinal study used in-depth telephone interviews (three interviews/survivor) to develop a rich understanding of how 13 cancer survivors experienced the RTW process. Interviews occurred following primary treatment, and 3 and 9 months later. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Preliminary findings indicate that (1) survivors feel they lack information on the RTW process, including logistical information from insurance companies, applicable government agencies (e.g., disability benefits), and employers. Survivors reported that (2) support from colleagues dwindles throughout their cancer treatment and RTW process and (3) pressure to return to work adds to the physiologic and psychosocial side effects they are left to manage during the survivorship period. Finally, survivors felt that having (4) an experienced person to navigate the process with them would be beneficial to easing what they experienced as a difficult transition. Conclusion: Preliminary results suggest survivors have unmet informational and navigational needs around the RTW process after primary cancer treatment. Improved psychosocial support that includes and extends beyond the initial RTW period could help survivors more successfully reintegrate into the work environment.

scholarly journals Follow-up strategies following completion of primary cancer treatment in adult cancer survivors

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beverley Lim Høeg ◽  
Pernille Envold Bidstrup ◽  
Trine Allerslev Horsboel ◽  
Susanne Oksbjerg Dalton ◽  
Lena Saltbaek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Primary Cancer ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors

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 Municipal return to work management in cancer survivors undergoing cancer treatment: a protocol on a controlled intervention study

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina M. Stapelfeldt ◽  
Merete Labriola ◽  
Anders Bonde Jensen ◽  
Niels Trolle Andersen ◽  
Anne-Mette H. Momsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Return To Work ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Intervention Study ◽  
Work Management

scholarly journals The Effects of Cancer Survivor Support Service on Distress in South Korea: A Nationwide Prospective Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hyun Jeong Lee ◽  
Young Ae Kim ◽  
Seong Yeob Ryu ◽  
Mison Chun ◽  
Chang-Yeol Yim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Psychosocial Support ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Depressive Mood ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Support Service ◽  
Medical Support ◽  
Mental Symptoms ◽  
High Distress

Abstract Background: To investigate the characteristics of cancer survivors and the effects of the services of the Korean Cancer Survivorship Center Pilot Project launched by the South Korean government on distress.Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was performed in cancer survivors who completed primary treatment. Cancer survivors’ distress and symptoms such as fatigue, pain, depressive mood, anxiety, and insomnia were evaluated by well-trained nurses. Regarding to their needs, medical and psychosocial support services were provided. Results: This study included 1,921 cancer survivors, with a mean age of 57.3 years (68.7% females). The breast cancer was most common, followed by stomach and colorectal cancer. Psychosocial and medical support decreased the percentage of the high-distress group from 50.9% to 30.5% and decreased the percentage of cancer survivors with high scores in fatigue, pain, anxiety, depressive mood, and insomnia. The independent predictors of a low distress level after the use of the services were older age, the relief of fatigue, pain, and insomnia.Conclusions: This study showed that psychosocial and medical support is associated with the lower distress and physical and mental symptoms of cancer survivors. Psychosocial and medical support could contribute to distress relief in cancer survivors. Further management strategies for fatigue, pain, and insomnia are required.

scholarly journals Employment Challenges Faced by Breast Cancer Survivors in an Upper Middle–Income Asian Setting

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement 2) ◽  
pp. 119s-119s
Author(s):  
Y.-C. Kong ◽  
N.T. Bhoo-Pathy ◽  
L.-P. Wong ◽  
A.F. Aziz ◽  
N.A. Taib ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Breast Cancer Survivors ◽  
Breast Cancer Diagnosis ◽  
Income Loss ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Number Of Patients

Background: Cancer survivorship as an area, which focuses on the health and life of an individual following cancer diagnosis and treatment is increasingly being recognized as an important component of the cancer control continuum. Advances in breast cancer detection and treatments have resulted in a growing number of patients experiencing a breast cancer diagnosis at an age when career plays an important role in their lives. Yet, very little is known on how breast cancer affects employment and return to work among survivors, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. Aim: This qualitative study aims to gain an in-depth understanding on employment challenges and motivators/barriers in return to work faced by breast cancer survivors in an upper-middle income Asian setting. Methods: Eleven focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with breast cancer survivors representing various ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds in Malaysia. Patients diagnosed one to two years prior to the study were recruited from a general public hospital, a public academic hospital and two private hospitals. Data from the FGDs were examined using thematic content analysis from the NVivo software. Results: The major themes relating to impact of cancer diagnosis on employment were “decreased work ability”, “job loss”, “long absenteeism” and “hostile work environment”. Coping strategy themes frequently mentioned to offset income loss from employment changes were “savings”, “part-time work” or financial support from “family/friends” or “social security”. However, participants were quick to highlight the insufficiency and unreliability of these strategies to cope financially in the long run. When describing their decision in choosing to return to work, participants mentioned themes such as “need money”, feeling “more happy” or having a “supportive work environment”. Nonetheless, participants emphasized the “discrimination” they faced in finding a job after active treatment. Specifically, participants' frequent need to take time-off from work for their cancer follow-ups as well as their older age were perceived as disadvantages in seeking employment when compared with younger, healthy applicants. Conclusion: It is evident that a breast cancer diagnosis severely disrupts employment and return to work in middle income settings. Multisectoral interventions are urgently required to improve the employment status of our cancer survivors, including legislative reforms to prevent discrimination. Programs supporting employment and return to work among cancer survivors should be developed and integrated in the provision of a holistic survivorship care.

scholarly journals Follow-up strategies following completion of primary cancer treatment in adult cancer survivors

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beverley L Høeg ◽  
Pernille E Bidstrup ◽  
Randi V Karlsen ◽  
Anne Sofie Friberg ◽  
Vanna Albieri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Primary Cancer ◽  
Adult Cancer Survivors

A 10-hour time-restricted eating intervention to address cancer-related fatigue among cancer survivors.

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 12109-12109
Author(s):  
Amber Kleckner ◽  
Jennifer E Reschke ◽  
Brian James Altman ◽  
Elizabeth Belcher ◽  
Richard Francis Dunne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Events ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Treatment Time ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Primary Treatment ◽  
Post Intervention ◽  
Cancer Related Fatigue ◽  
Patient Reported

12109 Background: Cancer-related fatigue is a common, debilitating condition that can persist for months or years after cancer treatment. Time-restricted eating has been shown to improve circadian rhythm and strengthen rest and activity patterns, and therefore could help reduce persistent fatigue. Herein, we evaluated the feasibility of recruiting cancer survivors to a two-week, single-arm, time-restricted eating intervention with a 10-h eating window, assessed safety of the intervention, monitored adherence, and obtained initial estimates of within-group change in patient-reported fatigue. Methods: We recruited adults 4-60 months post-cancer treatment who had a fatigue level ≥3 on a scale from 0-10 and who did not already consume food within a 10-h window. Participants were asked to consume all food and beverages within a self-selected 10-h eating window for 14 days; water was allowed at all times. Participants completed a daily diary indicating when they began and stopped eating each day. To assess fatigue, participants completed the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F) and the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI) at pre- and post-intervention. We report mean±standard deviation and used a t-test to assess differences in pre- vs. post-intervention scores. Results: A total of 21 participants consented (20 breast cancer, 1 prostate cancer; 20 female; age 57.7±11.4 years; 1.6±1.1 years post-primary treatment). The study was feasible: 19/21 (90.5%) completed pre- and post-intervention assessments and daily diaries. It was also safe: there were two mild adverse events—one unlikely (insomnia) and one possibly related to the intervention (acute headache) and no severe adverse events. Most of the participants adhered to the intervention; 14/19 (73.7%) ate all of their food within a 10-h window at least 80% of the days, and 16/19 (84.2%) reported an average eating window ≤10 h. Fatigue scores improved a clinically meaningful degree for FACIT-F total score, FACIT-F fatigue subscale, and the BFI total score from pre- to post-intervention per established cutoffs (Table). Conclusions: Cancer survivors were willing and able to adhere to a two-week time-restricted eating intervention, and the intervention was safe. Also, fatigue was reduced with moderate to large effect sizes after two weeks of time-restricted eating. Based on our results, a follow-up randomized controlled trial to investigate time-restricted eating to alleviate cancer-related fatigue among cancer survivors is indicated. Funding: NIH/NCI UG1CA189961, T32CA102618. Clinical trial information: NCT04243512. [Table: see text]

scholarly journals Impact of Cancer on Work and Education Among Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (19) ◽  
pp. 2393-2400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen M. Parsons ◽  
Linda C. Harlan ◽  
Charles F. Lynch ◽  
Ann S. Hamilton ◽  
Xiao-Cheng Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adult ◽  
Return To Work ◽  
Cancer Survivors ◽  
Cancer Treatment ◽  
Hodgkin’S Lymphoma ◽  
Adolescent And Young Adult ◽  
Hodgkin's Lymphoma ◽  
Full Time ◽  
Patients With Cancer ◽  
After Cancer

Purpose To examine the impact of cancer on work and education in a sample of adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with cancer. Patients and Methods By using the Adolescent and Young Adult Health Outcomes and Patient Experience Study (AYA HOPE)—a cohort of 463 recently diagnosed patients age 15 to 39 years with germ cell cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, sarcoma, and acute lymphocytic leukemia from participating Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registries—we evaluated factors associated with return to work/school after cancer diagnosis, a belief that cancer had a negative impact on plans for work/school, and reported problems with work/school after diagnosis by using descriptive statistics, χ2 tests, and multivariate logistic regression. Results More than 72% (282 of 388) of patients working or in school full-time before diagnosis had returned to full-time work or school 15 to 35 months postdiagnosis compared with 34% (14 of 41) of previously part-time workers/students, 7% (one of 14) of homemakers, and 25% (five of 20) of unemployed/disabled patients (P < .001). Among full-time workers/students before diagnosis, patients who were uninsured (odds ratio [OR], 0.21; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.67; no insurance v employer-/school-sponsored insurance) or quit working directly after diagnosis (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.37; quit v no change) were least likely to return. Very intensive cancer treatment and quitting work/school were associated with a belief that cancer negatively influenced plans for work/school. Finally, more than 50% of full-time workers/students reported problems with work/studies after diagnosis. Conclusion Although most AYA patients with cancer return to work after cancer, treatment intensity, not having insurance, and quitting work/school directly after diagnosis can influence work/educational outcomes. Future research should investigate underlying causes for these differences and best practices for effective transition of these cancer survivors to the workplace/school after treatment.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document