A qualitative study of work and work return in cancer survivors

Main, Deborah S.; Nowels, Carolyn T.; Cavender, Tia A.; Etschmaier, Martine; Steiner, John F.

doi:10.1002/pon.913

Cited by 223 publications

(202 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…Our findings are similar to those of previous studies of the association between the working environment and QOL of cancer survivors (Spelten et al, 2002;Main et al, 2005;Hoving et al, 2009;Fantoni et al, 2010;Steiner et al, 2010). Additionally, several studies focused on difficulty or discrimination at the workplace (Hoffman, 1988;Schultz et al, 2002;Tan et al, 2012).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of Korean Cancer Survivors Who Return to the Workplace

Han¹,

Park²,

Kim³

et al. 2014

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

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Background: Although the prevalence of cancer is increasing, it is no longer synonymous with death. The number of cancer survivors is estimated to be increasing due to development in medical treatments and social programs; cancer survivors are increasingly returning to work after long-term unemployment. Thus, we examined the quality of life (QOL) and the factors associated with return of cancer survivors to the workplace. Materials and Methods: This study was performed using the 2008 Community Health Survey administered by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (N= 548). We used Chi-square tests to compare demographic variables based on self-perceived health status, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) to compare QOL scores among groups. We also performed a mixed-model analysis of the relationship between QOL and factors at the workplaces of cancer survivors. Results: Based on the results of our study, the overall QOL of cancer survivors was associated with 'mutual respect', 'free emotional expression', occupation, and age. Moreover, different trends of QOL according to self-perceived health were identified on additional analysis. In the 'bad' self-perceived health group, QOL was significantly different according to income. The QOL of cancer survivors in the low-income group was lower than in the other groups. Conversely, the 'normal' group had a lower QOL caused by 'no mutual respect' and "no free emotional expression" in the workplace. The QOL in the 'good' group based on self-perceived health was higher in the younger age group. Conclusions: There may be a significant relationship between QOL and workplace factors for cancer survivors, although further study is needed to investigate this relationship in detail. This may facilitate formulation of policy and efforts to prevent and manage the decline in the QOL of cancer survivors returning to work.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of Korean Cancer Survivors Who Return to the Workplace

Han¹,

Park²,

Kim³

et al. 2014

Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention

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“…These findings are consistent with qualitative research studies conducted in North America [6,21]. The incomplete and inconsistent provision of information about the impact of cancer and its treatment on the ability to work represents a substantial gap in our understanding.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 79%

Cancer survivorship and work: Symptoms, supervisor response, co-worker disclosure and work adjustment

2006

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Introduction: Recent improvements in cancer treatment have not only increased cancer survivorship but also peoples' ability to work during and following treatment. However, the impact that both diagnosis and treatment has on cancer survivors' ability to fully engage in paid work is not yet entirely understood. This study aims to explore the role of symptoms, work adjustments and cancer disclosure to supervisors and co-workers on working during primary cancer treatment and return to work following treatment. Method: 328 cancer survivors responded to a 33 item questionnaire that assessed cancer-specific variables e.g. type and treatment, symptoms experienced during and following treatment, disclosure of cancer and adjustments and supports available at work. Multivariate logistic regressions were run to determine the association of symptoms, disclosure and work adjustments and working during treatment and returning to work following treatment. Results:The findings indicate that opportunities to work flexibly (OR=2.43, CI 1.21-4.02), disclosure to colleagues (OR=3.03, CI 1.28-8.19), difficulties managing fatigue (OR=2.08, CI 1.22-3.85), and paid time off to attend all medical appointments (OR=.4, CI .30-.87) were associated with continuing to work during treatment. Correlates of return to work included difficulties managing fatigue (OR=1.49, CI 1.42-6.18), managing the stress of cancer (OR=2.80, 1.05-5.34), managing physical changes associated with cancer (OR=.46, CI .13-.95), received advice from their doctor about work (OR=1.47, CI 1.09-2.84) and return to work meeting with employer (OR 1.99, 1.2-5.09). Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of symptom management in cancer survivors who work and the potential impact of workplace adjustments on the ability of cancer survivors to navigate in the world of work.

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“…Ville and Ravaud [23] found that people with paraplegia valued work for providing opportunities for social integration above financial benefits. Similar benefits have been noted among people living with other illnesses such as cancer and multiple sclerosis [24][25][26][27].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 74%

What are the experiences of adults returning to work following recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome? An interpretative phenomenological analysis

Royal

Reynolds

Houlden³

2009

Disability and Rehabilitation

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. What are the experiences of adults returning to work following recovery from Guillain-Barre´ syndrome? An interpretative phenomenological analysis. Disability and Rehabilitation, 31(22): 1817-1827. AbstractPurpose. Guillain-Barre´ syndrome (GBS) is a transient inflammatory disorder affecting peripheral nerves, characterised by weakness and numbness in limbs, upper body and face. Residual problems affect a large minority, and complicate return to work. This qualitative study explored the experiences of people who returned to work following their diagnosis of GBS and recovery, to gain insight into factors that facilitated or inhibited this process.Method. Five people participated in in-depth interviews. Individual and common experiences were explored through interpretative phenomenological analysis.Findings. Three recurring themes are presented: the perceived value of work; losing and recovering a familiar identity at work; and dilemmas around using support and adaptations at work. Certain individual issues also emerged but are beyond the scope of this article. Participants tended to measure their recovery in terms of returning to work yet continued to experience certain physical and psychosocial difficulties at work related to GBS, which required active coping strategies. Limited public awareness of GBS was perceived as a hindrance when returning to work.Conclusion. This study provides a rich account of the experiences that people encounter returning to work following GBS. Rehabilitation specialists may offer more effective preparation for this process, drawing upon the issues identified.

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A qualitative study of work and work return in cancer survivors

Cited by 223 publications

References 24 publications

Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of Korean Cancer Survivors Who Return to the Workplace

Factors Affecting the Quality of Life of Korean Cancer Survivors Who Return to the Workplace

Cancer survivorship and work: Symptoms, supervisor response, co-worker disclosure and work adjustment

What are the experiences of adults returning to work following recovery from Guillain-Barré syndrome? An interpretative phenomenological analysis

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