Abstract A088: The impact of race and rurality on employment disparities for cancer survivors

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: Advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment have resulted in improvements in survivor outcomes; however, cancer survivors are more likely to experience adverse employment outcomes such as job loss, reduced working hours, and early retirement. These adverse experiences are exacerbated by race/ethnicity and rurality. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine employment disparities among a diverse group of cancer survivors. Methods: Our study collected data from 29,136 cancer survivors (ages 18–65) between 2015 and 2021 using electronic health records (EHR) and linked to cancer registry data. Multivariable linear regression models were used to estimate the association between employment and study variables (race, ethnicity, rurality, sex, education, marital status, age at diagnosis, cancer type). Results: A total of 7,296 patients had available information on employment. Approximately 61% of cancer survivors were employed, 28% were not employed, 9% were disabled, 2% were retired. Logistic regression adjusted results revealed a positive association between employment and marriage or having a significant other, while racial and ethnic minority adults, rurality, and certain age categories were less likely to be employed. Unadjusted results showed a positive association between employment and education. Conclusion: The positive impact of education and relationship status (married or having a significant other) should be further explored to find mitigating strategies for adverse health and employment outcomes for cancer survivors. With the rise of cancer survivorship, more research should focus on finding equitable interventions and strategies for cancer survivors to return to work if desired. Citation Format: Jaimi Mimi L. Allen. The impact of race and rurality on employment disparities for cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A088.