Return to work issues for cancer survivors

Background: Approximately 10.5 million Americans with a history of cancer were alive in 2003, and another 1.4 million Americans are expected to be newly diagnosed with cancer in 2007. With improved treatment and survival rates, there is a higher likelihood that cancer survivors who were employed at the time of diagnosis will return to the workforce. Cancer survivors who return to work may benefit from legal protection under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). This law prohibits discrimination by employers against individuals with disabilities, including cancer. Few studies have investigated cancer survivors' work experiences once they return to the workforce, or how provisions in the ADA may relate to their experiences. Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate the factors associated with successful return-to-work for cancer survivors, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Methodology: A focus group was held with seven female cancer survivors. Results were analyzed using qualitative methods. Results: Participants identified personal, environmental, and cancer-related factors that influenced their experiences with returning to work following a cancer diagnosis, and their employers' compliance with the ADA. Factors such as co-worker support and job flexibility improved their experiences, while co-worker and supervisor ignorance about cancer and lack of support made return to work more stressful. Conclusions: Knowledge of factors that support cancer survivors' return-to-work experiences will help health care providers ease this transition, and may improve quality of life for employees. This pilot study serves as a basis for a larger, population-based study.