Post-treatment work patterns amongst survivors of lymphoma treated with high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation

BackgroundThis study describes post-treatment work patterns in lymphoma survivors treated with high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation (HDT-ASCT). It aims to identify determinants for labour force participation and exclusion after HDT-ASCT.MethodsEligible patients were survivors of HDT-ASCT for lymphoma in Norway between 1995 and 2008, aged >= 18 years at HDT-ASCT. We divide survivors by current employment status (working (full vs. part-time) and unemployed). Main outcomes are current employment status, work hours and work ability. Withdrawals are patients who were employed when diagnosed but not before HDT-ASCT.ResultsOf the 274 who completed the survey, 82% (N=225) were included in the final analyses. Mean age at survey was 52 years, 39% were female, 85% were employed when diagnosed, 77% before HDT-ASCT and 69% at survey. Employment before HDT-ASCT corresponds with a higher probability of employment at survey for a given symptom burden. In the most extensive statistical model, it increases with 37.3 percentage points. Work hours amongst withdrawals plummet after HDT-ASCT while work ability shows a rebound effect. The potential economic gain from their re-enter into the work force equals 2/3 of the average annual wage in Norway in 2012.ConclusionsFor a given symptom burden, staying employed throughout diagnosis and treatment is associated with a higher probability of future employment. These results favour policies for labour force inclusion past diagnosis and treatment increasing cancer survivors’ probability of future employment. However, we need more research on withdrawal mechanisms, and on policy measures that promote inclusion.