Wenjun Sun1, Karen Chen2, Abigail Terhaar3, Douglas A Wiegmann1, Susan M Heidrich4, Amye J Tevaarwerk5, Mary E Sesto1,3,5,6. 1. Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. 2. Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. 3. Trace Research and Development Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. 4. School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. 5. University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA. 6. Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Research has identified barriers and facilitators affecting cancer survivors' return to work (RTW) following the end of active treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy). However, few studies have focused on barriers and facilitators that cancer survivors experience while working during active treatment. Strategies used by cancer survivors to solve work-related problems during active treatment are underexplored. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe factors that impact, either positively or negatively, breast cancer survivors' work activities during active treatment. METHODS: Semi-structured, recorded interviews were conducted with 35 breast cancer survivors who worked during active treatment. Transcripts of interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis to identify themes regarding work-related barriers, facilitators and strategies. RESULTS: Barriers identified included symptoms, emotional distress, appearance change, time constraints, work characteristics, unsupportive supervisors and coworkers, family issues and other illness. Facilitators included positive aspects of work, support outside of work, and coworker and supervisor support. Strategies included activities to improve health-related issues and changes to working conditions and tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer survivors encounter various barriers during active treatment. Several facilitators and strategies can help survivors maintain productive work activities.
BACKGROUND: Research has identified barriers and facilitators affecting cancer survivors' return to work (RTW) following the end of active treatment (surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy). However, few studies have focused on barriers and facilitators that cancer survivors experience while working during active treatment. Strategies used by cancer survivors to solve work-related problems during active treatment are underexplored. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe factors that impact, either positively or negatively, breast cancer survivors' work activities during active treatment. METHODS: Semi-structured, recorded interviews were conducted with 35 breast cancer survivors who worked during active treatment. Transcripts of interviews were analyzed using inductive content analysis to identify themes regarding work-related barriers, facilitators and strategies. RESULTS: Barriers identified included symptoms, emotional distress, appearance change, time constraints, work characteristics, unsupportive supervisors and coworkers, family issues and other illness. Facilitators included positive aspects of work, support outside of work, and coworker and supervisor support. Strategies included activities to improve health-related issues and changes to working conditions and tasks. CONCLUSIONS:Breast cancer survivors encounter various barriers during active treatment. Several facilitators and strategies can help survivors maintain productive work activities.
Entities:
Keywords:
Content analysis; accommodation; cancer survivor; technology and tools; working during active treatment
Authors: Deborah S Main; Carolyn T Nowels; Tia A Cavender; Martine Etschmaier; John F Steiner Journal: Psychooncology Date: 2005-11 Impact factor: 3.894
Authors: Elizabeth Quinlan; Roanne Thomas-MacLean; Tom Hack; Winkle Kwan; Baukje Miedema; Sue Tatemichi; Anna Towers; Andrea Tilley Journal: Work Date: 2009
Authors: Mary E Sesto; Cibele B Carroll; Xiao Zhang; Karen B Chen; Abigail Terhaar; Athena S Wilson; Amye J Tevaarwerk Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2022-01-28 Impact factor: 3.603
Authors: Elise Martin; Antonio Di Meglio; Gwenn Menvielle; Johanna Arvis; Aurélie Bourmaud; Stefan Michiels; Barbara Pistilli; Ines Vaz-Luis; Agnès Dumas Journal: Support Care Cancer Date: 2022-07-12 Impact factor: 3.359
Authors: Amye J Tevaarwerk; Kris Kwekkeboom; Kevin A Buhr; Alexandra Dennee; William Conkright; Adedayo A Onitilo; Emily Robinson; Harish Ahuja; Roger W Kwong; Ranveer Nanad; Douglas A Wiegmann; Karen Chen; Noelle K LoConte; Kari B Wisinski; Mary E Sesto Journal: Cancer Date: 2020-11-24 Impact factor: 6.860
Authors: Cheryl E Gray; Paul E Spector; Janelle E Wells; Shayla R Bianchi; Claudia Ocana-Dominguez; Casey Stringer; Javier Sarmiento; Tiffany Butler Journal: J Bus Psychol Date: 2022-04-11