Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Working with Human Tissues for Translational Cancer Research
Published on: November 26, 2015
Cancer and the meaning of work
1Adult Psychosocial Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Partners Cancer Care, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
Abstract:
The importance of work in patients with cancer has received relatively little attention. This article reviews the existing literature and uses case examples to illustrate the themes that characterize work-related distress. Whereas loss of occupational identity can be a source of significant anxiety and depression, continuing or returning to the workplace allows many patients to maintain a sense of normalcy or control. The experience of discrimination can become a focus for strong feelings about fairness. Clinicians need to both address work-related distress directly and appreciate the larger significance these themes may have in their patients' coping. A closer look at the importance of work in oncology suggests several areas for future research.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer
What is Cancer?
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of patients who died from...
Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
What is Cancer?
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of patients who died from...
Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
Cancer Survival Analysis

