[Extension of sick leave for temporary work incapacity of oncology patients]

The paper deals with an analysis of the end results of extension of sick leaves for 558 cancer patients examined by the Oncological Commission of Medical Experts on Disability, Novosibirsk, in 1988-1991. Extension proved effective in 95.9 +/- 0.8%. The number of patients treated while on sick leave can be increased by the Commission decision with a view to giving them courses of chemotherapy. Such patients might work in between courses. Sick leave should be extended for patients with unclear prognosis and high motivation for work. Extension of sick leave rather than dismissal from work--because of disability, stage I, should be granted on humanitarian grounds to grave cases of incurable cancer.