Understanding Cancer Survivors' Employment Experiences When Returning to Work After Primary Treatment: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, the number of people surviving cancer long-term is growing. This is due to an increase in incidence rates, coupled with earlier detection and improved treatments. Among the difficulties many cancer survivors face are the unique challenges associated with reintegrating back into the work environment after an absence for primary treatment. Aim: To explore cancer survivors' perspectives on and experiences with employment during their return to work (RTW) following primary cancer treatment. Methods: Guided by an interpretive phenomenological approach, this prospective qualitative longitudinal study used in-depth telephone interviews (three interviews/survivor) to develop a rich understanding of how 13 cancer survivors experienced the RTW process. Interviews occurred following primary treatment, and 3 and 9 months later. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: Preliminary findings indicate that (1) survivors feel they lack information on the RTW process, including logistical information from insurance companies, applicable government agencies (e.g., disability benefits), and employers. Survivors reported that (2) support from colleagues dwindles throughout their cancer treatment and RTW process and (3) pressure to return to work adds to the physiologic and psychosocial side effects they are left to manage during the survivorship period. Finally, survivors felt that having (4) an experienced person to navigate the process with them would be beneficial to easing what they experienced as a difficult transition. Conclusion: Preliminary results suggest survivors have unmet informational and navigational needs around the RTW process after primary cancer treatment. Improved psychosocial support that includes and extends beyond the initial RTW period could help survivors more successfully reintegrate into the work environment.