Navigating Cancer Treatment and Recovery among Low-Wage Workers: First Hand Experiences

Background In Kentucky, almost 3,500 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, 62% of which are likely to be less than 65. With advances in cancer screening and treatment, cancer is easier to detect in earlier stages, more patients are surviving, and more survivors continue working through and after treatment. Though research on breast cancer survivorship and employment is increasing, few studies have examined the experiences of breast cancer survivors employed in low-wage, hourly jobs. To address this gap our study examined the work-life experiences of Kentucky breast cancer survivors employed in low-wage jobs during breast cancer diagnosis.

Methods Women diagnosed with breast cancer in the last year and employed in a low-wage job were recruited to participate in in-depth interviews (N=40). Pre-surveys were administered obtaining demographics, cancer and employment history. Interviews were transcribed using Atlas-Ti, analyzed and coded by the research team. Themes and sub-themes were identified and analyzed.

Results Preliminary analyses indicate that women continued to work during treatment; however fatigue and pain increased difficultly in concentrating on job tasks. Access to paid leave made it easier to attend appointments. Without it, women requested schedule adjustments. Informal workplace support from supervisors and co-workers was instrumental to women staying employed during treatment and recovery. Conclusions Cancer and employment research is expanding, but a gap exists regarding low-wage earning breast cancer survivors. This study begins to address that gap by compiling qualitative data on the experiences of low-wage earning breast cancer survivors diagnosed while employed.