A scoping review on information and support needs regarding cancer and work: part I - cancer survivors

A better understanding of survivors' information and support needs could guide the design of more meaningful and effective interventions. This scoping review examines cancer survivors' needs in the context of cancer and work.

For this scoping review, we searched 5 databases for studies published in 2014-2024 reporting on cancer survivors' information and support needs related to cancer and work. Data were extracted and identified needs were qualitatively synthesized using the Arena model of work disability.

Eighty-five studies from 22 countries were included, reporting on 26 themes concerning information needs and 56 themes concerning support needs. Within the personal system, survivors need information on how cancer and treatment affect work, and they need support through understanding from employers and colleagues. Within the workplace system, needs included information on return to work timing and phases, and support via flexible, personalized work adjustments. Within the healthcare system, survivors need information on cancer's impact on work (dis)ability, and support includes tailored advice and encouragement. Survivors emphasized the importance of work being proactively addressed in clinical care. Within the legislative and insurance systems, needs related to information on employee rights and support in navigating disability benefit procedures were identified.

The diversity in needs suggests that interventions should be tailored to individual cancer survivors, while considering broader contextual factors Future interventions should include multiple stakeholders, since needs exist throughout the systems of the Arena model.

There is a need for tailored interventions to support work participation of cancer survivors.