Predictors of resignation and sick leave after cancer diagnosis among Japanese breast cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background In Japan, 55.5% of breast cancer survivors (BCSs) are of working age, so various perspectives regarding return to work (RTW) after cancer diagnosis need to be considered. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the risk factors for resignation and taking sick leave (SL) among BCSs in continued employment at the time of diagnosis. Methods A web-based retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted on BCSs using data from a 2018 Japanese national research project (Endo-Han) commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan. The subjects were women aged 18–69 years who had been diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time at least 1 year previously. The risk factors for resignation and taking SL after breast cancer diagnosis, including age at diagnosis, education level, cancer stage, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, employment status, and occupational type, were then analyzed using a logistic regression model. Results In total, 40 (14.9%) of 269 BCSs quit their jobs at least 1 year after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The results of the multivariable analysis indicated that lower education level (odds ratio [OR]: 3.802; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.233–11.729), taking SL (OR: 2.514; 95%CI: 1.202–5.261), and younger age at diagnosis (OR: 0.470; 95%CI: 0.221–0.998) were predictors of resignation. Of 229 patients who continued working, SL was taken by 72 (31.4%). In addition, undergoing surgery was found to be a predictor of taking SL (OR: 8.311; 95%CI: 1.007–68.621). Conclusions In total, 40 (14.9%) of 269 BCSs quit their jobs at least 1 year after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The results of this study indicated that younger age, lower education level, and taking SL were predictors of resignation after breast cancer diagnosis.

Depressive and anxiety symptoms among Japanese cancer survivors: Japan cancer survivorship research project

“…A web-based survey was conducted targeting CSs using data from a 2018 Japanese cancer survivorship research project (Endo-Han) commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) of Japan, In November 2018, a web-based questionnaire survey was conducted by Macromill Inc. ( www.macromill.com/global/index.html ), a leading Internet research company in Japan, who sent questionnaires to all 11,562 registered CSs, aged 18 − 65 years, while in this project published previously [ 9 , 10 ]. Of these, 1,610 completed the questionnaire (response rate: 13.9%).…”

The quantity and quality of scientific evidence about the health of working women in occupational health of Japan: A scoping review

“…Furthermore, contract or part‐time workers were more likely to lose their jobs compared to regular, full‐time workers 46 . Furthermore, there were three studies that investigated a balance between work and cancer treatment 54–56 . One study reported that nearly half of 145 women hospital workers experienced lower urinary tract symptoms, including urinary incontinence 57 …”

“…There were only 13 studies in English that investigated breast cancer ( n = 4), 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 cervical cancer ( n = 2), 49 , 50 menstruation ( n = 3), 51 , 52 , 53 balance between work and reproductive cancer ( n = 3), 54 , 55 , 56 and bladder symptom ( n = 1). 57 There was only one randomized control trial (RCT) on using mobile applications for menstrual management, which decreased the incidences of depression but had no effect on work productivity.…”

“… 46 Furthermore, there were three studies that investigated a balance between work and cancer treatment. 54 , 55 , 56 One study reported that nearly half of 145 women hospital workers experienced lower urinary tract symptoms, including urinary incontinence. 57 …”

“…46 Furthermore, there were three studies that investigated a balance between work and cancer treatment. [54][55][56] One study reported that nearly half of 145 women hospital workers experienced lower urinary tract symptoms, including urinary incontinence. 57 In contrast, 78 studies in Japanese investigated menstruation (n = 25), menopause (n = 26), reproductive cancer (n = 17), urinary incontinent (n = 4), hormone therapy indication (n = 4), and uterine myoma (n = 2; Table S2).…”