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Work ability and return-to-work in cancer patients
A G E M de Boer1, J H A M Verbeek, E R Spelten
1Coronel Institute for Occupational Heath, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. A.G.deBoer@amc.uva.nl
British Journal of Cancer
|March 20, 2008
Summary
Self-assessed work ability during cancer treatment significantly predicts return-to-work. Higher work ability scores at six months indicate a better chance of returning to employment later.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Occupational Health
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Return-to-work (RTW) for cancer patients is a significant challenge.
- Predictors of RTW, particularly self-assessed work ability during treatment, are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive value of self-assessed work ability for RTW in cancer patients undergoing treatment.
- To identify factors influencing work ability and RTW outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 195 employed cancer patients receiving curative treatment.
- Collection of work ability scores (0-10), clinical, and sociodemographic data at 6 months post-sick leave.
- Measurement of RTW at 6, 12, and 18 months.
Main Results:
- Mean work ability scores improved significantly from 4.6 at 6 months to 6.7 at 18 months.
- Hematological cancers and chemotherapy were associated with lower work ability; urogenital and gastrointestinal cancers with higher scores.
- Work ability at 6 months strongly predicted RTW at 18 months (HR=1.37, CI 1.27-1.48), independent of age and treatment.
Conclusions:
- Self-assessed work ability is a crucial, independent predictor of return-to-work in cancer patients.
- Monitoring work ability during treatment can inform interventions to support employment.
- Findings highlight the importance of patient-reported outcomes in cancer survivorship and rehabilitation.
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