SY18-6 - Work-related difficulties among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors

Abstract

Work plays an essential role in adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors' economic independence and self-realization. However, their job-search experiences, as well as their working lives, have not been studied in detail. This presentation introduces two studies we recently conducted: a systematic review of problems and correlative factors concerning AYA cancer survivors' working lives, and an interview-based study on AYA survivors' job-search experiences in Japan. The systematic review revealed various work-related problems AYA cancer survivors experience compared with the general population or siblings. These issues include significantly lower percentages of overall and full-time employment, older ages when first employed, and more frequent absence from work. Correlative factors of the work-related difficulties included age at diagnosis, ethnic background, cancer type, treatment modality, physical and psychological factors, and presence of supporters in schools and workplaces. The interview-based study showed that, despite various difficulties such as physical constraints, dilemma of disclosing cancer history, and insufficient understanding and support from school staff and companies' human relations personnel, survivors actively dealt with the challenges. Many survivors expressed unmet needs to share work-related experiences with other survivors of a similar age range. Further research is necessary, as well as collaboration among healthcare settings, schools, and companies to develop effective support measures for AYA cancer survivors in Japan.