Unmet needs for job maintenance of breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Purpose: To develop and apply an integrative model for breast cancer survivors’ return to work, survivors’ unsatisfied demands for job maintenance were identified. Methods: This study was a qualitative research that used a focus group to investigate breast cancer survivors’ unsatisfied demands for job maintenance. Data collection was conducted four times from February to October 2019 with six participants. Results: The study showed that the six participants identified the following unsatisfied demands for breast cancer survivors who returned to work: the individual’s physical and psychological condition, attitudes and support from family, work-related characteristics, the healthcare system, and social (political) issues. Thirteen sub-topics were identified. Conclusion: This study provided necessary data to prepare a strategy for breast cancer survivors to return to work and proposed to develop an integrative model and a professional training program in further research.