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Barriers and opportunities for return-to-work of cancer survivors: Time for action-rapid review and expert consultation

Author

Listed:
  • Vo Kiasuwa-mbengi Regine Levo
  • Renée Otter
  • Katrien Mortelmans
  • Marc Arbyn
  • Herman Van Oyen
  • Catherine Bouland
  • Christophe De Brouwer

Abstract

Background: The spread of early detection and the improvement of cancer treatment have led to an increased prevalence of cancer survivors, including in the working age population. Return-to-work (RTW) of cancer survivors has become a key issue for national cancer control plans. This study aims (1) to identify the factors that have an impact on RTW of cancer survivors and to draw a risk profile supporting health professionals in the screening of those at risk for barriers of RTW and (2) to sharpen these results with input from health, social security and academic Belgian experts and to provide evidence-based recommendations that facilitate RTW of cancer survivors. Methods: A rapid review was conducted, based on the methodology elaborated by The Knowledge to Action Research Programme and researchers from the University of York, including a quality assessment of retained studies. Next, the Delphi method was used to organize a consultation with experts in order to discuss, validate and complement the results. Results: Forty-three out of 1860 studies were included. We identified nine risk factors grouped into four categories: socio-demographic, disease and treatment-related, work-related, and personal and subjective factors. Experts suggested dividing them into two even groups: factors which are modifiable and those which are not. The awareness of health professionals regarding the identified factors, a better assessment of work capacities, clarity on the rights and obligations of employers and workers alike, and the setup of a positive discrimination employment policy for cancer survivors were acknowledged as factors facilitating RTW of cancer survivors. Conclusions: The awareness of health professionals regarding barriers of RTW may improve the early identification of cancer survivors at risk for prolonged time to RTW and may allow early supportive intervention. Social and employment policies should be better tailored to support both employers and cancer survivors in the RTW process, providing incentives to positively discriminate cancer survivors on prolonged sick leave.

Suggested Citation

  • Vo Kiasuwa-mbengi Regine Levo & Renée Otter & Katrien Mortelmans & Marc Arbyn & Herman Van Oyen & Catherine Bouland & Christophe De Brouwer, 2016. "Barriers and opportunities for return-to-work of cancer survivors: Time for action-rapid review and expert consultation," ULB Institutional Repository 2013/231176, ULB -- Universite Libre de Bruxelles.
    • Handle: RePEc:ulb:ulbeco:2013/231176
    Note: SCOPUS: ar.j
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    Cited by:

    1. Dahlberg, Marie & Bylund, Ami & Gustavsson, Petter & Calero, Teresa Herlestam & Wannheden, Carolina, 2022. "What matters to persons living with brain tumors and their informal caregivers? An interview study of qualities in interpersonal relations," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 292(C).
    2. Su-Erh Chiu & Kuei-An Cho & Bing-Shen Huang & Chien-Yu Lin & Ching-Fang Chung & Ya-Lan Chang & Shu-Ching Chen, 2023. "Factors Facilitating or Creating Barriers to Returning to Work in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Within the First 6 Months After Treatment," Clinical Nursing Research, , vol. 32(1), pages 197-208, January.
    3. Gao, Ni & Ryan, Mandy & Krucien, Nicolas & Robinson, Suzanne & Norman, Richard, 2020. "Paid work, household work, or leisure? Time allocation pathways among women following a cancer diagnosis," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 246(C).
    4. Anica Zeyen & Oana Branzei, 2023. "Disabled at Work: Body-Centric Cycles of Meaning-Making," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 185(4), pages 767-810, July.
    5. Christine C. Ekenga & Eunsun Kwon & BoRin Kim & Sojung Park, 2020. "Long-Term Employment Outcomes among Female Cancer Survivors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-13, April.
    6. Connolly, Sheelah & Russell, Helen & Henry, Edward, 2021. "Returning to employment following a diagnosis of cancer: An Irish survey," Research Series, Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), number SUSTAT103.

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