We estimate the effects of breast cancer on survivors’ labor force participation relative to a sample of women who have not had cancer. Our data is from the Health and Retirement Survey which provides a rich set of health and employment information. We estimated the probability of working using Probit regression and a generalization of the two-part model to estimate hours worked. We control for health status by using responses to perceived health status (ranging from excellent to poor) or by including comorbidities known to effect breast cancer survival (e.g., heart disease, depression). We also control for characteristics such as age, marital status, race, and educational attainment. Source of health insurance may have some impact on work decisions as it is often times linked to employment. Thus, we also control insurance status. Our findings indicate that survivors of breast cancer are less likely to work relative to the control group. However, if breast cancer survivors work, they work approximately 2-3 hours more per week than the non-cancer sample of women. This relationship is robust and significant over several specifications. When we added variables for health status and comorbidity, we found that the coefficient on breast cancer is no longer a statistically significant predictor of the decision to work. Thus, in the decision to work, health status rather than breast cancer per se is important. In addition, women who have breast cancer and report their health as fair or poor were less likely work additional hours.
Learning Objectives: 1. Analyze the independent variables that contribute to labor market decisions (both participation and hours worked) of women with breast cancer. 2. Assess the relationship between cancer and working
Keywords: Breast Cancer, Economic Analysis
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.