Association of perceived depression and suicidal ideation with returning to work among cancer survivors in South Korea

Abstract

ObjectivesCancer survivors face various problems during treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation, particularly when maintaining or re-entering the workforce. Following cancer treatment, returning to work is crucial step for patients in regaining their social lives, improving their self-confidence, returning to their regular lives before being diagnosed with cancer, and recovering their financial stability. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between return to work, perceived depression, and suicidal ideation among cancer survivors using national big data from South Korea. MethodsRecords of 874 cancer survivors retrieved from the database of the 6–8 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. ResultsThe proportion of female cancer survivors with perceived depression was higher than that of their male counter parts. A higher proportion of cancer survivors with perceived depression and suicidal ideation were found in the low-income group. Moreover, cancer survivors without spouses reported higher rates of perceived depression and suicidal ideation, and the nonworking group experienced higher rates of these variables compared with the working group. No differences were noted in perceived depression or suicidal ideation according to the type of work performed by the cancer survivors. ConclusionsReturning to work should be encouraged in order to improve the psychological health of cancer survivors. Engaging in social activities, regardless of the work type, positively affects the mental health of cancer survivors.