Breast Cancer Survivors’ Returning to Work: An Observational Study among Active Women, Two Years after Diagnosis

Abstract

Background: Breast Cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers among women all over the world. Objective: The purpose of this study is to identify determinants of breast cancer and evaluate the effectiveness of return to work as a result of early diagnosis. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a university hospital dedicated to women's health and gynecology. It investigated the return to work among women diagnosed with breast cancer at least two years and at most five years before the onset of the survey. Results: At the time of the investigation, 72% of patients returned to work. The initially occupied workstation was regained by 5% of women. The loss of the position occupied before cancer diagnosis was significantly associated with the age at diagnosis time (p = 0.02), the prívate working sector (p = 0.014), and with blue-collar professional category (p = 0.02). Nevertheless, the higher likelihood of returning to active life after breast cáncer was significantly associated with early diagnosis and better health assessment (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Returning to work among breast cáncer survivors is important for everyday life recovery. The professional recovery may be improved by early diagnosis and multidisciplinary interventions.