Use of an employment advisory service by cancer survivors

Employment issues for cancer survivors (CS) were investigated from the perspective of Northern Ireland government general employment advisors. An e-survey was designed and developed based on the results of a scoping search of journal articles, previously validated questionnaires and relevant related surveys; discussions of draft versions of the e-survey and method with lead representatives of stakeholder organizations; and a pilot study with seven prospective respondents. The e-survey and subsequent reminder to employment advisors were distributed internally by the government employment advisory agency. The e-survey was completed by 78/156 (50%) advisors, the majority of whom (74%) received a request for advice in the last year from at least one CS. Most CS used the employment service less than 1 year (52%) or 1 year or more after treatment (32%). Fatigue was the most commonly reported barrier to returning to work (10%) and staying in work (14%), and a supportive employer was the top facilitating factor in returning to (21%) and continuing in (27%), employment. Although most advisors had a positive attitude about a CS's capacity to return to work, half were uncertain about how best to advise cancer survivors.