Post-treatment work patterns amongst survivors of lymphoma treated with high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation

Predictive factors for return to work among cancer survivors in Europe: A systematic review

Of the 4.4 million people diagnosed with cancer in Europe each year, around 36 % are of working age. Return-to-work rates vary across Europe. Work is important for the individual, as well as for society, and this review aims to provide an overview of the predictors for the return to work (RTW) process in European cancer survivors of working age. A systematic literature search was conducted. The present review included quantitative and qualitative study designs published since 2013. In total, the review included 85 papers examining cancer survivors with various cancer diagnoses in 18 European countries. Identified predictive factors for RTW related to the social system, treatment, disease, health behavior, the individuals' psychosocial, work, and sociodemographic situations. There is a need for a standardized definition and operationalization of RTW. Providers can use these results to identify survivors at risk and support cancer survivors in their RTW process.

Experiences of cancer survivors returning to work decision-making: a meta-synthesis of qualitative studies

PURPOSE

Return to work for cancer survivors (CSs) may be challenging, and there is a research gap in integrating the relevant experiences of the return-to-work decision-making process for CSs. Our aim was to synthesize existing qualitative research that integrates the dynamic experiences of CSs in the return-to-work decision-making process and highlights the factors influencing the return-to-work decisions of CSs.

METHODS

We retrieved qualitative studies on a relevant theme published in the PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL databases since construction to December 2023. Literature screening, quality evaluation, and data analysis followed the PRISMA, Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool (2016), and thematic analysis methods to ensure study reliability. The study was registered on PROSPERO (registration number: CRD42023429623).

RESULTS

Ten articles were included, and six key outcomes were identified based on Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) integration: points of concern for individuals, sense of self-efficacy, outcome expectations, work perception and belonging, medical advice and guidance, and effects of the external reactions.

CONCLUSION

The decision-making process for CSs to return to work is affected by various personal and external factors. Effectively addressing personal appearance, financial, and emotional issues can enhance self-efficacy of CSs. Improving external perceptions of cancer patients and enhancing social support in the workplace and medical settings can help CSs make informed decisions regarding their return to work.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS

The decision of CSs to return to work is a result of integrating personal, job, and medical care considerations. These findings contribute to the development of future interventions for CSs' return-to-work decisions that target an array of potential factors.

Prevalence and Determinants of Return to Work as a Patient-Centered Outcome in Survivors of Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Employment is an important indicator of health and functional recovery for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) survivors and has significant social and economic impacts. Cancer survivors treated with conventional non-HCT therapy are known to be at a higher risk of unemployment or not returning to work after completion of therapy compared with the control population. However, the literature on return-to-work challenges among HCT survivors remains limited.

RECENT FINDINGS

Here we summarize the evidence on prevalence and determinants of return-to-work challenges among HCT survivors using previously published literature. Findings from previously published research show that return to work or unemployment is a major concern among HCT survivors, especially for allogeneic HCT recipients, and prior studies have identified several modifiable risk factors associated with it. Survivors' post-HCT employment status is significantly associated with quality of life, impacting physical, emotional, social, and financial aspects of their lives. We also highlight the gaps in current knowledge such as limited information on employment outcomes of childhood, adolescent, and young adult HCT survivors; work-related challenges among employed HCT survivors; consequences of work-related challenges; and interventions to improve return to work among HCT survivors. Findings highlighted in this review make a strong case of a multidisciplinary return-to-work support for HCT survivors to properly address their needs.