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Liang MI, Simons JL, Herbey II, Wall JA, Rucker LR, Ivankova NV, Huh WK, Pisu M. Navigating job and cancer demands during treatment: A qualitative study of ovarian cancer patients. Gynecol Oncol 2022; 166:481-486. [PMID: 35902296 PMCID: PMC10910482 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2022.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our objective was to obtain perspectives from ovarian cancer patients on job demands, cancer demands, and workplace or cancer resources and strategies to manage the cancer-work interface using the cancer-work management conceptual framework. METHODS We recruited ovarian cancer patients receiving systemic therapy who screened positive for financial distress using Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity <26. Interviews were conducted with participants about their costs of care, including employment concerns. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed by three researchers using an inductive thematic analysis. RESULTS Of 22 participants, the average age was 57 years old, 36% were Black, 68% had income <$40,000, 41% had public insurance, and 68% were being treated for recurrent disease. Job demands included decreased productivity, inability to return to work, and worry about losing a job or employer-based health insurance coverage. Cancer demands included physical and cognitive limitations due to cancer treatment and reliance on caregivers, especially for transportation. Workplace resources/strategies including having a supportive employer, modifying job responsibilities, and utilizing family medical leave. Cancer care resources/strategies included planning appointments ahead of time and utilizing resources, such as disability. CONCLUSIONS Cancer care teams should consider screening patients for employment concerns; streamline care to minimize the side effects, time, and transportation demands of treatment on patients and caregivers; maximize utilization of available resources; and proactively communicate with employers to accommodate patients and caregivers who want or need to work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret I Liang
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America; Center for Women's Reproductive Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America.
| | - J Leahgrace Simons
- School of Public Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Ivan I Herbey
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Jaclyn A Wall
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Lindsay R Rucker
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Nataliya V Ivankova
- School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Warner K Huh
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America; Center for Women's Reproductive Health, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America; O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Maria Pisu
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
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