Cancer and Employment Issues: Perspectives from Cancer Patient Navigators

Abstract

Among individuals diagnosed with cancer, 40% are working age adults who will face numerous challenges in returning to work, yet oncology providers report limited guidance and uncoordinated communication processes in addressing patients’ work-related issues. Cancer patient navigators are uniquely positioned to fill this care and communication gap due to their focus on both practical matters and clinical care. This cross-sectional study utilized survey methodology to collect quantitative and qualitative data from 58 cancer patient navigators to (1) identify patients’ cancer and employment issues that commonly challenge navigators and (2) identify the necessary training navigators felt would allow them to more effectively help patients deal with cancer and employment issues. Participants from the Southeast U.S. were invited to complete a paper survey while in attendance at a statewide cancer patient navigator conference or online via the state comprehensive cancer coalition's cancer patient navigator listserv. Results suggest financial burdens, work and treatment conflicts, taking unpaid leave for cancer care, and working through treatment were common concerns among their patients. Navigators also identified employment, legal, government programs, and financial resources as important training and education topics that would help them address their clients’ employment and cancer conflicts. Given the fact that employment issues remain one of the most common unmet need of survivors and the increasing presence of navigators across the U.S., it is important to address the role of navigators in meeting patients’ needs regarding cancer and employment and ensure they are provide with adequate training and resources.

Current Practices for Screening and Addressing Financial Hardship within the NCI Community Oncology Research Program

“…The availability of financial navigators designated for cancer patients is encouraging both for cancer care delivery and for intervention design and testing. Existing data suggest providing a cancer-specific navigator may be a promising intervention to help standardize and coordinate interventions to address financial hardship early into cancer care (23)(24)(25). The use of cancer-specific financial navigators in NCORP practice groups suggests NCORP practice groups have capacity to test financial hardship interventions currently being piloted or tested in randomized trials (24)(25)(26)(27)(28).…”

From shaky grounds to solid foundations: A salutogenic perspective on return to work after cancer

“…Studies showed that financial worries and reduction in income are common among cancer survivors and can generate uncertainty about the future [33,46]. Owing to the relatively generous public welfare benefits in Norway, the participants in our study managed to maintain an adequate income during and after treatment.…”

Evaluating the use of text message communication in a postpartum patient navigation program for publicly insured women

“…Previous studies have highlighted the critical role of empathy in these relationships, as well as the need for individualized support and development of trust [4,9,11,12]. Yet, best practices for communication within patient navigation remain an open question [13].…”