Return-to-Work and Breast Cancer Survivorship Care

Abstract

This commentary addresses the current needs of breast cancer survivorship care focusing on return-to-work and management of chronic treatment effects, such as lymphedema. Current literature reported a reduced work engagement and work ability among breast cancer survivors and those who developed treatment-related lymphedema. The return-to-work experience was highly individualized and built on the interactions among the survivor, the lymphedema disease processes, their work activities, and a broad array of contextual factors. Both lymphedema and its management negatively influenced women’s physical, emotional, and interpersonal functions, which in turn had an impact on their work lives. Few interventional studies have been developed that effectively help the return-to-work process. Multidisciplinary models of care for breast cancer survivors are needed to meet individuals’ needs. Need for supports is especially critical for survivors in underserved communities and for racial, ethnic, and cultural minority populations.