Functionality and factors associated with work behaviour among Brazilian breast cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer treatments lead to several comorbidities in the upper limbs, such as pain and stiffness, hindering physical functions and the return to work. OBJECTIVE: To explore the functionality and factors associated with work behaviour among manual and non-manual Brazilian workers who have recovered from breast cancer. METHODS: This is an observational cross-sectional study involving Brazilian breast cancer survivors. The sociodemographic, work, and clinical aspects were assessed through clinical records, upper limb disability, and human functionality obtained from 62 women. Multiple and univariate logistic regressions were used to identify the association of variables on return to work, p < 0.05. RESULTS: 56.5% of women did not return to work, the mean time for returning to work was 16 months (±15.21), absenteeism from work lasted 41 months (±34.58). Modified radical mastectomy (OR = 5.13, 95% CI = 1.35 to 18.66) and moderate-to-severe disability levels in the upper limbs (OR = 6.77, 95% CI = 1.86 to 24.92) were associated with not returning to work. The loss of productivity was higher among non-manual workers (21.5%) (p = 0.040). CONCLUSIONS: The rates of not returning to work after breast cancer treatment are high. Women who did not return to work presented higher levels of disability.