The purpose of this study is to explore the experience of cancer survivors less than 50 years of age, as they transition back to work after the end of treatment. Eight survivors took part in this exploratory qualitative study. The results of the iterative content analysis suggest that these survivors want to put their illness-focused life behind them and resume a “normal” existence, of which a return to work is an integral part. The return-to-work transition is also influenced by various personal, family and societal factors that can facilitate or inhibit the experience. Lastly, a number of distinct challenges and a higher level of vulnerability must be taken into consideration by healthcare professionals to be able to better support these survivors transitioning back to work.
Pur pose A significant proportion of women with breast cancer want to RTW (return to work) after treatment. Employers play a key role in facilitating RTW for these employees who face distinct challenges. However, the portrait of these challenges remains to be documented from the perspective of employer representatives. The purpose of this article is to describe the perceptions of Canadian employer representatives regarding the management of the RTW of BCSs (breast cancer survivors). Methods Thirteen qualitative interviews were conducted with representatives from businesses of various sizes (< 100 employees, 100–500 employees, > 500 employees). Transcribed data were subjected to iterative data analysis. Results Three major themes emerged to describe employer representatives’ perceptions of managing RTW of BCS. These are (1) providing tailored support; (2) remaining ‘human’ while managing RTW; and (3) facing the challenges of RTW management after breast cancer. The first two themes were perceived as facilitating RTW. The challenges identified concern uncertainty, communication with the employee, maintaining a supernumerary work position, balancing employee and organizational interests, reconciling with colleagues’ complaints, and collaboration among stakeholders. Conclusions Employers can adopt a humanistic management style by offering flexibility and increased accommodation for BCS who RTW. They can also be more sensitive to this diagnosis, leading some to seek more information from those around them who have experienced it. Employers require increased awareness about diagnosis and side effects, be more confident to communicate, and improved collaboration between stakeholders to facilitate the RTW of BCS. Implications for cancer survivors Employers who focus on the individual needs of cancer survivors during RTW can facilitate creative and personalized solutions for a sustainable RTW and help survivors recover their lives after cancer.
Le but de cette étude est d’explorer l’expérience de transition vers le retour au travail de survivantes du cancer du sein de moins de 50 ans. Huit survivantes ont participé à cette étude qualitative exploratoire. Les résultats de l’analyse de contenu itérative indiquent que ces survivantes veulent délaisser leur vie teintée par la maladie et réintégrer une vie « normale » incluant le retour au travail. La transition vers le retour au travail est aussi influencée par plusieurs facteurs d’ordre personnel, familial et sociétal qui peuvent faciliter ou entraver l’expérience. Enfin, plusieurs défis distincts et la présence d’une vulnérabilité plus marquée doivent être considérés par les professionnels de la santé pour mieux accompagner ces survivantes durant la transition vers le retour au travail.
Aim: In Canada, osteopathic medicine, a well-known branch of complementary/alternative medicine, has received minimal attention for pain management within oncology. Purpose: This review reports both the existing literature and patient experience surrounding the application of osteopathy as an effective treatment for pain in breast cancer patients. Results: Both the literature and this case study support, to some degree, the benefits of osteopathy as pain management for breast cancer patients. Conclusion: Due to contradictory reported findings, more studies would be required to make firm conclusions, especially within a Canadian context. However, a lack of standardization of osteopathic procedures and collaboration between osteopaths and traditional healthcare professionals are challenges in including osteopathy as a standard service offered to breast cancer patients.
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