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Understanding Cancer Survivors' Needs and Experiences Returning to Work Post-Treatment: A Longitudinal Qualitative
Robin Urquhart1,2, Sarah Scruton1, Cynthia Kendell3
1Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1V7, Canada.
Background:
This study aimed to understand Canadian cancer survivors' experiences during the return-to-work (RTW) process.
Methods:
A prospective qualitative longitudinal design was employed using the principles of phenomenological inquiry. Cancer survivors took part in three in-depth interviews: at the end of treatment, and 3 and 9 months after the first interview. Transcripts were analyzed using constant comparative analysis, guided by the Cancer and Work model.
Results:
A total of 38 in-depth interviews were conducted with 13 participants. The resultant themes were: (1) supports received or desired to enable RTW; (2) others' limited understanding of the long-term impacts of a cancer diagnosis and its treatment; (3) worries and self-doubts about returning to work; and (4) changing perspectives on life and work after cancer.
Conclusions:
Cancer patients returning to work after treatment often experience challenges throughout the process, including varying levels of support from others and a range of ongoing effects and motivation to RTW. There is a clear gap in terms of the professional supports available to these individuals. Future research should focus on investigating how to improve both quality and accessibility of supports in a way that is personalized to the individual.
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