Experiences and perspectives of patients with advanced cancer regarding work resumption and work retention: a qualitative interview study

Abstract

Purpose Being able to work improves the quality of life of patients with cancer. Much is known about the return to work process of cancer survivors. Yet, studies focusing on the experiences of patients with advanced cancer who want to return to work or stay employed are scarce. Therefore, we aimed to explore the perceptions of patients with advanced cancer regarding work resumption and work retention and the barriers and facilitators they may experience. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Patients were included if they: (1) were diagnosed with advanced cancer, (2) worked in paid employment at time of diagnosis, and (3) were currently back in paid employment or had the intention to return to paid employment. Participants were recruited through clinicians and patient organizations. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analysed using ATLAS.ti. Results Fifteen patients (87% female, mean age 52 (SD 4; range 41–64)) were individually interviewed. Four main themes emerged from the data: (1) holding on to normalcy, (2) high understanding and divergent expectations, (3) social discomfort calls for patient-initiated alignment, and (4) laws and regulations require patient empowerment. Conclusion Paid employment can contribute to the quality of life of patients with advanced cancer. The findings of this study might correct erroneous preconceptions about the work ability and work intention of patients with advanced cancer. Tools already developed for employers to support reintegration of patients with cancer should be further explored and translated to patients with advanced cancer.

Cancer survivors and adverse work outcomes: associated factors and supportive interventions

“…The number of cancer survivors living longer in relatively good health despite the rise in palliative treatment. 23 , 69 Interviews with Brazilian palliative cancer survivors revealed that, although their quality of life was heavily affected, some survivors indicated that they wished to remain working and that interventions should be developed to support this. 23 This means that we need to broaden our view of which cancer survivors should be supported.…”

Outcomes and Feasibility of an Occupational Care Programme (TERRA) to Support Work Ability of Rare and Advanced Cancer Patients: A Report of 7 Cases

“…Results of the two qualitative studies indicated that (1) rare cancer patients tend to experience a more complex illness trajectory due to diagnostic delays and limited treatment options, affecting their work ability [5], and (2) advanced cancer patients can face lack of understanding and stigmatization regarding their desire and ability to work [6]. Both patient groups can experience medical and psychosocial outcomes that can negatively affect physical, cognitive, and psychological work ability [5,6]. Tailored supportive occupational care specific to these patient groups has been identified as desirable and is currently lacking.…”

“…Recently, two qualitative studies on work-related experiences of patients with rare cancer (“rare2work” [5]) and advanced cancer (“PalliaTurn” [6]) were conducted in the Netherlands. Both subgroups are typically excluded from “cancer and work” studies, due to the hypothesis that the experiences of these patients are too distinct to be studied within the wider cancer patient population.…”

“…Both subgroups are typically excluded from "cancer and work" studies, due to the hypothesis that the experiences of these patients are too distinct to be studied within the wider cancer patient population. Results of the two qualitative studies indicated that (1) rare cancer patients tend to experience a more complex illness trajectory due to diagnostic delays and limited treatment options, affecting their work ability [5], and (2) advanced cancer patients can face lack of understanding and stigmatization regarding their desire and ability to work [6]. Both patient groups can experience medical and psychosocial outcomes that can negatively affect physical, cognitive, and psychological work ability [5,6].…”

Facilidades e dificuldades autorreferidas por trabalhadores de enfermagem para retorno ao trabalho após o diagnóstico de câncer

“…A idade de pessoas diagnosticadas com câncer avançado pode variar, destacando sua ocorrência no período de vida de produtividade econômica. O aumento de sobrevida de pessoas com câncer e, consequentemente, a retomada de sua capacidade produtiva em relação ao trabalho, permite o seu retorno durante e após o tratamento 4 .…”