T L Morrison1, R L Thomas. 1. School of Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Ottawa, 451 Smyth Road (3071), Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada, TMorris2@uOttawa.ca.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Work is an important quality of life indicator for many cancer survivors. There is, however, a lack of appropriate support to help survivors with work integration. As a result, many survivors are forced to independently navigate their return to work, experiencing unnecessary pitfalls in the process. As a preliminary step toward addressing this current gap in survivorship support, we explored the work integration experiences of 20 cancer survivors, 10 women and 10 men. METHODS: Photovoice methods were combined with two individual interviews per participant. Participant-produced photographs and interview transcripts were analyzed to identify key themes. RESULTS: Both commonalities and gender-differentiated motivations underlying work integration emerged. Female and male participants both demonstrated and discussed differentiated manners of coping. Men expressed a propensity for productivity and active engagements over talking used predominantly by women. CONCLUSION: Appreciation of men's proclivity for productivity and activity suggests that a gender-tailored approach to rehabilitation may enhance male survivors' participation and the utility of rehabilitation efforts.
PURPOSE: Work is an important quality of life indicator for many cancer survivors. There is, however, a lack of appropriate support to help survivors with work integration. As a result, many survivors are forced to independently navigate their return to work, experiencing unnecessary pitfalls in the process. As a preliminary step toward addressing this current gap in survivorship support, we explored the work integration experiences of 20 cancer survivors, 10 women and 10 men. METHODS: Photovoice methods were combined with two individual interviews per participant. Participant-produced photographs and interview transcripts were analyzed to identify key themes. RESULTS: Both commonalities and gender-differentiated motivations underlying work integration emerged. Female and male participants both demonstrated and discussed differentiated manners of coping. Men expressed a propensity for productivity and active engagements over talking used predominantly by women. CONCLUSION: Appreciation of men's proclivity for productivity and activity suggests that a gender-tailored approach to rehabilitation may enhance male survivors' participation and the utility of rehabilitation efforts.
Authors: Lise Vilstrup Holm; Dorte Gilså Hansen; Christoffer Johansen; Peter Vedsted; Pia Veldt Larsen; Jakob Kragstrup; Jens Søndergaard Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2012-03-14 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Shan S Wong; Thomas J George; Melyssa Godfrey; Jennifer Le; Deidre B Pereira Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2018-06-29 Impact factor: 3.603