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Beerda DCE, Zegers AD, van Andel ES, Becker-Commissaris A, van der Vorst MJDL, Tange D, Duijts SFA, Brom L. Experiences and perspectives of patients with advanced cancer regarding work resumption and work retention: a qualitative interview study. Support Care Cancer 2022; 30:9713-9721. [DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07436-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Blinder VS, Patil S, Finik J, Makower D, Muppidi M, Lichtenthal WG, Parker PA, Claros M, Suarez J, Narang B, Gany F. An interactive mobile application versus an educational booklet to promote job retention in women undergoing adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2022; 23:840. [PMID: 36192754 PMCID: PMC9527379 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06580-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Job loss after a cancer diagnosis can lead to long-term financial toxicity and its attendant adverse clinical consequences, including decreased treatment adherence. Among women undergoing (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer, access to work accommodations (e.g., sick leave) is associated with higher job retention after treatment completion. However, low-income and/or minority women are less likely to have access to work accommodations and, therefore, are at higher risk of job loss. Given the time and transportation barriers that low-income working patients commonly face, it is crucial to develop an intervention that is convenient and easy to use. METHODS We designed an intervention to promote job retention during and after (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer by improving access to relevant accommodations. Talking to Employers And Medical staff about Work (TEAMWork) is an English/Spanish mobile application (app) that provides (1) suggestions for work accommodations tailored to specific job demands, (2) coaching/strategies for negotiating with an employer, (3) advice for symptom self-management, and (4) tools to improve communication with the medical oncology team. This study is a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the app as a job-retention tool compared to a control condition that provides the app content in an informational paper booklet. The primary outcome of the study is work status after treatment completion. Secondary outcomes include work status 1 and 2 years later, participant self-efficacy to ask an employer for accommodations, receipt of workplace accommodations during and following adjuvant therapy, patient self-efficacy to communicate with the oncology provider, self-reported symptom burden during and following adjuvant therapy, and cancer treatment adherence. DISCUSSION This study will assess the use of mobile technology to improve vulnerable breast cancer patients' ability to communicate with their employers and oncology providers, work during treatment and retain their jobs in the long term, thereby diminishing the potential consequences of job loss, including decreased treatment adherence, debt, and bankruptcy. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClincalTrials.gov NCT03572374 . Registered on 08 June 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria S. Blinder
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), New York, USA
| | - Sujata Patil
- grid.239578.20000 0001 0675 4725Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, USA
| | - Jackie Finik
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), New York, USA
| | - Della Makower
- grid.240283.f0000 0001 2152 0791Montefiore Medical Center, New York, USA
| | - Monica Muppidi
- grid.415933.90000 0004 0381 1087Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center, New York, USA
| | - Wendy G. Lichtenthal
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), New York, USA
| | - Patricia A. Parker
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), New York, USA
| | - Maria Claros
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), New York, USA
| | - Jennifer Suarez
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), New York, USA
| | - Bharat Narang
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), New York, USA
| | - Francesca Gany
- grid.51462.340000 0001 2171 9952Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), New York, USA
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Mazzi MA, Perlini C, Deledda G, Ghilardi A, Buizza C, Bottacini A, Goss C, Del Piccolo L. Employment status and information needs of patients with breast cancer: a multicentre cross-sectional study of first oncology consultations. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038543. [PMID: 32994250 PMCID: PMC7526300 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the early information needs of women with a recent diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) according to their employment status. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Secondary-care patients attending three outpatient oncology clinics in northern Italy. PARTICIPANTS 377 women with a recent diagnosis of early-stage, non-metastatic BC aged 18-75 were recruited. Of them, 164 were employed, 103 non-employed and 110 retired. OUTCOME MEASURES The first consultation visit with an oncologist was audio-recorded and analysed for the number and type of questions asked. Linear regression models considering consultations' and patients' characteristics as confounding variables were applied. RESULTS Employed patients asked significantly more questions than non-employed and retired patients (17 vs 13 and 14; F=6.04; p<0.01). When age and education were included in the statistical model, the significance of employment status was rearranged among all the variables and was no more significant (b=1.2, p=0.44). Employed women asked more questions concerning disease prognosis (0.7 vs 0.4 and 0.6; F=3.5; p=0.03), prevention (1.4 vs 0.6 and 0.7; F=10.7; p<0.01), illness management (7.2 vs 6 and 5.4; F=3.8; p=0.02) and social functioning (37% vs 18% and 20%; χ2=14.3; p<0.01) compared with the other two groups. Finally, they attended more frequently the consultation alone (37% vs 18% and 25%; χ2=10.90, p<0.01), were younger (50 vs 58 and 67 years; F=63.8; p<0.01) and with a higher level of education (77% vs 27% and 45%; χ2=68.2; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Employment status is related to the type of questions asked during the first consultation. Also, it interrelates with other patients' characteristics like age and education in determining the number of questions asked. Patients' characteristics including employment status could be considered in tailoring work and social-related information provided during the first oncological consultation. Future studies could explore potential differences in information needs according to the different kinds of work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Angela Mazzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Cinzia Perlini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Deledda
- Clinical Psychological Service, UO of Clinical Psychology, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalisation and Health Care (IRCCS) "Sacro Cuore - Don Calabria", Negrar di Valpolicella, Verona, Italy
| | - Alberto Ghilardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Clinical Psychology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Buizza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Unit of Clinical Psychology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bottacini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Claudia Goss
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lidia Del Piccolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Clinical Psychology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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Greidanus MA, de Boer AGEM, Tiedtke CM, Frings-Dresen MHW, de Rijk AE, Tamminga SJ. Supporting employers to enhance the return to work of cancer survivors: development of a web-based intervention (MiLES intervention). J Cancer Surviv 2020; 14:200-210. [PMID: 31938966 PMCID: PMC7182637 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-019-00844-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to develop an intervention targeting employers, with the aim of enhancing cancer survivors' return to work (RTW). METHODS Intervention Mapping was used to combine information gathered from several procedures involving numerous stakeholders, for example, employers, cancer survivors, oncological occupational physicians, and e-health experts. RESULTS Employers indicated that they require tailored support during four RTW phases: (1) disclosure, (2) treatment, (3) RTW planning, and (4) actual RTW. The most important employer actions were identified for each RTW phase, for instance, "communicate," "support practically," and "assess work ability," and thereafter formulated as the performance objectives of the intervention. The trans-theoretical model of change was used as a theoretical framework, and several methodologies were employed to induce the desired behavior change, for example modeling, tailoring, and active learning. Subsequently, a web-based intervention with interactive videos, conversation checklists, links to reliable external sources, and succinct, tailored tips and information was developed and adjusted on the basis of pre-tests with different stakeholders. CONCLUSIONS The intervention was developed with input from employers and all relevant stakeholders in the RTW of cancer survivors. The systematic, step-wise development resulted in a succinct and easily accessible intervention targeting the most important employer actions during all RTW phases. As such, the intervention corresponds with employers' needs and preferences in practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS By providing employers with support, the intervention could well be the missing link in efforts to optimize the work participation of cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Greidanus
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - A G E M de Boer
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C M Tiedtke
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Centre for Environment & Health, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 35, Leuven, Belgium
| | - M H W Frings-Dresen
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A E de Rijk
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Research Institute Primary Care and Public Health (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Duboisdomein 30, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - S J Tamminga
- Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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de Moor JS, Alfano CM, Kent EE, Norton WE, Coughlan D, Roberts MC, Grimes M, Bradley CJ. Recommendations for Research and Practice to Improve Work Outcomes Among Cancer Survivors. J Natl Cancer Inst 2019; 110:1041-1047. [PMID: 30252079 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djy154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Major knowledge gaps limit the development and implementation of interventions to improve employment outcomes among people with cancer. To identify research priorities to improve employment outcomes after cancer, the National Cancer Institute sponsored the meeting "Evidence-Based Approaches for Optimizing Employment Outcomes among Cancer Survivors." This article describes research recommendations stemming from the meeting. At the patient level, longitudinal studies are needed to better understand how patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and their experiences at work shape employment outcomes. Interventions that mitigate the impact of cancer and its treatment on employment are critical. At the provider-level, future research is needed to characterize the extent to which physicians and other healthcare providers talk to their patients about employment concerns and how that information is used to inform care. Additionally, there is a need to test models of care delivery that support routine screening of employment concerns, the capture of employment outcomes in electronic health records, and the effective use of this information to improve care. At the employer level, evidence-based training programs are needed to prepare supervisors, managers, human resources staff, and occupational health professionals to address health issues in the workplace; and future interventions are needed to improve patient -employer communication and facilitate workplace accommodations. Importantly, research is needed that reflects the perspectives and priorities of patients and their families, providers and healthcare systems, and employers. Transdisciplinary partnerships and stakeholder engagement are essential to ensure that employment-focused interventions and policies are developed, implemented, and sustained in real-world healthcare delivery and workplace settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet S de Moor
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | | | - Erin E Kent
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | - Wynne E Norton
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | - Diarmuid Coughlan
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | - Megan C Roberts
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | - Melvin Grimes
- Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
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Endo M, Haruyama Y, Muto G, Imai Y, Mitsui K, Mizoue T, Wada H, Kobashi G, Tanigawa T. Recurrent sick leave and resignation rates among female cancer survivors after return to work: the Japan sickness absence and return to work (J-SAR) study. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:1248. [PMID: 31510964 PMCID: PMC6737646 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-019-7509-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To date, there have not been any workforce-based Japanese cohort studies investigating work sustainability after return to work (RTW). The objective of this study was to investigate the post-RTW cumulative recurrent sick leave rate and cumulative resignation rate among female cancer survivors. Methods Among Japanese employees who were registered in the Japan sickness absence and return to work (J-SAR) study, the subjects were those female employees who returned to work after sick leave due to newly clinically diagnosed cancer (C01-C99; ICD-10), based on a physician’s certificate, between 2000 and 2011. The last day of the follow-up period was December 31, 2012. The recurrent sickness leave rate and resignation rate were calculated using competing risk survival analysis. Results Of 223 cancer survivors, 61 took further physician-certified sick leave after their RTW. The median duration of the post-RTW work period among all cancer survivors was 10.6 years. The work continuance rates of the female cancer survivors were 83.2 and 60.4% at 1 and 5 years after they returned to work, respectively. There was a steep reduction in the work continuance rate during the first post-RTW year. There were considerable differences in the work continuance rate according to the primary cancer site. Cumulative recurrent sick leave rates of 11.8 and 28.9% were seen at 1 and 5 years after the subjects returned to work. The cumulative resignation rate was 5.0 and 10.7% at 1 and 5 years after the subjects returned to work. Most recurrent sick leave occurred in the first year after the subjects returned to work, followed by the second year. Conclusions Sixty percent of female cancer survivors were still working at 5 years after returning to work, although the work continuance rates for different types of cancer varied significantly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoki Endo
- Department of Public Health, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan.
| | - Yasuo Haruyama
- Department of Public Health, Dokkyo University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Go Muto
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuya Imai
- Department of Public Health, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Kiyomi Mitsui
- Department of Hygiene, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Showa University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mizoue
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroo Wada
- Department of Public Health, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
| | - Gen Kobashi
- Department of Public Health, Dokkyo University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Takeshi Tanigawa
- Department of Public Health, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan
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Swanberg JE, Nichols HM, Vanderpool RC, Rosenblatt P, Tracy JK. Working poor and working nonpoor cancer survivors: Work-related and employment disparities. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2018; 1:e1134. [PMID: 32729229 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many cancer survivors face challenges remaining at work during treatment or returning to work posttreatment. Workplace supports can ease the strain associated with managing the cancer-work interface. Limited research has examined the employment experiences of low-wage earning survivors, who are less likely to have access to workplace supports, overlooking a factor that may influence survivors' employment outcomes. AIMS This study assessed differences in employment experiences between working poor (WP) and working nonpoor (WNP) cancer survivors in the United States. METHODS AND RESULTS Data from the 2011 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) and the 2011 MEPS Experiences with Cancer Survivorship Supplement were analyzed to evaluate differences in workplace supports, cancer-related psychological job distress, productivity, and employment outcomes between WP and WNP cancer survivors. The sample included adults diagnosed with cancer within 5 years prior to survey completion and engaged in paid employment since diagnosis. Working poor respondents had income below 200% of the poverty level. Chi-square tests assessed differences between WP (n = 57) and WNP (n = 164) cancer survivors' demographic, cancer, and employment characteristics; cancer-related psychological job distress; employee productivity; and employment outcome measures. Multiple logistic regression analyses determined the independent association between WP status and these same variables controlling for sociodemographic confounders. Working poor survivors were more likely to take unpaid time off, change from full-time to part-time, to report cancer-related psychological job distress, negative influences on job productivity and employment outcomes, and less likely to have health insurance. In logistic regression analyses, those who took unpaid time off were more likely to be WP; being WP was also associated with poorer employment outcomes, after controlling for sociodemographics differences between WP and WNP. CONCLUSION Working poor survivors had fewer workplace supports and poorer employment outcomes than WNP survivors, highlighting important occupational disparities for cancer survivors. Areas for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Swanberg
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Professional Studies, Providence College, Providence, Rhode Island.,University of Maryland School of Social Work, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Helen M Nichols
- University of Maryland School of Social Work, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Robin C Vanderpool
- Department of Health, Behavior & Society, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Paula Rosenblatt
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - J Kathleen Tracy
- Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center
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Endo M, Haruyama Y, Muto G, Kiyohara K, Mizoue T, Kojimahara N, Yamaguchi N. Work Sustainability Among Male Cancer Survivors After Returning to Work. J Epidemiol 2017; 28:88-93. [PMID: 29093353 PMCID: PMC5800885 DOI: 10.2188/jea.je20160152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have investigated the work continuance rate among cancer survivors after return to work (RTW). The objective of this study was to clarify work sustainability after RTW among Japanese male cancer survivors. Methods We collected data on male cancer survivors from an occupational health register. Inclusion criteria were as follows: employees who returned to work after an episode of sick leave due to clinically certified cancer diagnosed between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2011. Results Of 1,033 male employees who were diagnosed with cancer, 786 employees (76.1%) returned to work after their first episode of sick leave due to cancer. Work continuance rates among all subjects were 80.1% 1 year after RTW and 48.5% 5 years after RTW. The mean duration of work after RTW was 4.5 years. The work continuance rates varied significantly by cancer type. The “Lung” and “Hepatic, Pancreatic” cancer groups had the shortest duration of work (0.9 year after RTW). Conclusions Of workers who returned to work after their first episode of leave after cancer, 50% continued to work after 5 years in large-scale companies. There was a steep decrease in work continuance rates during the first year after RTW, with considerable differences according to cancer site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoki Endo
- Department of Public Health, Tokyo Women's Medical University
| | - Yasuo Haruyama
- Department of Public Health, Dokkyo Medical University, School of Medicine
| | - Go Muto
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine
| | - Kosuke Kiyohara
- Department of Public Health, Tokyo Women's Medical University
| | - Tetsuya Mizoue
- Department of Epidemiology and Prevention, Center for Clinical Sciences, National Center for Global Health and Medicine
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Function and friction at work: a multidimensional analysis of work outcomes in cancer survivors. J Cancer Surviv 2014; 8:173-82. [PMID: 24464639 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-013-0340-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/28/2013] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cancer survivors can experience difficulties returning to and/or remaining at work. Sociodemographic, health and well-being, symptom burden, functional limitations in relation to work demands, work environment, and various work policies and procedures can be related to work function. METHODS This study analyzed cross-sectional data of a sample of cancer survivors (n = 1,525) who were diagnosed and treated for various types of cancer. The data were obtained from a survey of cancer survivors collected by the LiveStrong Foundation. Using a cancer survivorship and work model proposed in 2010, this study used structural equation modeling to predict work ability (whether survivors reported lower work ability following cancer) and work sustainability (whether survivors had ever lost or left a job because of cancer, i.e., work retention). Potential predictors included health and well-being, symptom burden (e.g., fatigue, pain, and distress), cancer-related worry, worry about family's cancer risk, functional impairment (i.e., physical, cognitive, and interpersonal), workplace support, and workplace problems. RESULTS The overall model predicting work ability (CFI = 0.961, TLI = 0.952, and RMSEA = 0.027) indicated that a greater level of functional limitations (B = 5.88, p < 0.01) and workplace problems (B = 0.22, p = 0.05) were significantly related to lower levels of work ability. Structural equation modeling (CFI = 0.961, TLI = 0.952, and RMSEA = 0.027) also indicated that workplace problems was a significant predictor (B = 0.498, p < 0.001) of the likelihood of losing or leaving a job because of cancer. CONCLUSIONS Functional limitations and problems at work including poor treatment, discrimination, being passed over for promotion, and lack of accommodations were directly related to the ability to work. Problems at work were associated with lower work sustainability (work retention). IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Employed cancer survivors, health care providers, and employers need to be aware of the potential implications of limitations in function (e.g., physical, cognitive, and interpersonal/social) as it relates to ability to work. In many cases, these functional limitations are responsive to rehabilitation. Workplaces also need to be educated on how to better respond to the needs of cancer survivors at work.
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Blinder V, Patil S, Eberle C, Griggs J, Maly RC. Early predictors of not returning to work in low-income breast cancer survivors: a 5-year longitudinal study. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2013; 140:407-16. [PMID: 23884596 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-013-2625-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Low-income women may be especially vulnerable to job loss after a breast cancer diagnosis. The identification of early risk factors for not returning to work in the long term could inform interventions to help survivors avoid this outcome. A consecutive sample of low-income, employed, underinsured/uninsured women treated for stage 0-III breast cancer was surveyed 6, 18, 36, and 60 months after diagnosis. Participants were classified according to the survey in which they first reported return to work. If they were not working in every survey they were classified as not returning to work. Correlates of not returning to work were identified. Of 274 participants, 36 % returned to work by 6 months, an additional 21 % by 18, 10 % by 36, and 5 % by 60 months. 27 % never returned to work. Of those not working at 6 months, 43 % never returned. Independent predictors of never returning to work included lowest annual income (<$10,000), Latina ethnicity, high comorbidity burden, and receipt of chemotherapy. Very poor women who stop working during chemotherapy for breast cancer are at risk of not returning to work months and years following treatment. These findings may have clinical and policy implications. Conversely, radiation therapy, axillary node dissection, age, and job type do not appear to be associated with return to work. Clinicians should discuss work-related concerns with patients and facilitate early return to work when desired by the patient. Additional research is needed to develop interventions to optimize return to work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Blinder
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Bennion AE, Molassiotis A. Qualitative research into the symptom experiences of adult cancer patients after treatments: a systematic review and meta-synthesis. Support Care Cancer 2012; 21:9-25. [PMID: 22972487 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-012-1573-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This review paper aimed to draw together the findings of qualitative research into the symptom experience of adult cancer patients in order to develop a better understanding of symptom experiences following cancer treatment. METHODS Systematic review and meta-synthesis techniques were used to identify, appraise and synthesise the relevant literature. RESULTS A thematic account of shared symptom experiences reported across papers is presented. Four main themes are discussed: interaction with health services, changing relationships, changing self and coping. In addition the range of symptoms reported across qualitative cancer research is highlighted. CONCLUSIONS Unexpected symptoms can have negative effects on patients who need to be better prepared for long-term symptom experiences. In addition, it is important to acknowledge that patients' symptom experiences do not happen in isolation and should be addressed holistically within the context of patients' lives.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Bennion
- School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, University of Manchester, University Place, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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