Returning to Work Following Cancer Treatment: Perspectives of Survivors and Employers

• Published in: Psycho-oncology (Chichester, England) England), 2014-02, Vol.23, p.54
• Main Authors: Fitch, Margaret, Nicoll, Irene
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cancer; Employers; Medical personnel; Occupational psychology; Oncology; Quality of life
• ISSN: 1057-9249; 1099-1611

There are late and long-term effects cancer survivors experience that can compromise quality of life. In particular, survivors can experience challenges in returning to work. This work explored perspectives of cancer survivors (employees), employers, and insuring agencies about the challenges of returning to work. An environmental scan identified existing programs and resources to assist survivors in their return to work. A literature review and on-line survey documented the perspectives of cancer survivors about the challenges in returning to work after cancer treatment. Focus groups with employers gathered their perspectives about employees returning to work after cancer. 8,385 websites were scanned for relevant materials and 90 were identified with resources to support patients in their return to work. There are a range of program delivery modalities making it difficult to identify best practices. Patients (n = 410) described reduction in income, a range of positive and negative experiences in returning to work, and work-related issues dealing with side-effects (fatigue and loss of energy, cognitive changes). Employers acknowledged issues related to return to work. They reported there are few employees at any one point in time who are returning to work after cancer making it challenging for managers to know how best to support these individuals. Return to work is a growing concern and individuals clearly experience challenges in making this transition. There is a need for resources to be developed to help survivors, health care professionals, and employing agencies become more aware of the challenges survivors experience and be able to deal more effectively with the situation. There is a need to design, disseminate and test effective tools to aid health care professionals in helping cancer survivors in returning to work; there is a need to design, disseminate and test effective tools for employers/managers to aid cancer survivors in returning to work. Clinicians need to open a discussion with cancer survivors about return to work, identify relevant issues, and make appropriate referrals as necessary.