Breast cancer and work outcomes in health care workers

Abstract

Background Cancer survivors are at a higher risk of leaving the labour market prematurely than healthy individualsor those with other chronic conditions. They continue to report difficulty in re-entering theworkplace after diagnosis and treatment.Aims To investigate return to work in health care staff with a diagnosis of breast cancer and the adjustmentsrequired to assist them.Methods We identified health care workers with a diagnosis of breast cancer, seen by occupational physiciansin a National Health Service occupational health (OH) service, between 2000 and 2012. Review ofOH records was conducted and information relating to return to work and sick leave was recorded.Results One hundred and seventeen staff members were identified, and 111 (95%) returned to work. Almostall (109) required workplace adjustments to do so: 97 had temporary adjustments and 12 permanentchanges. The majority of those who returned to work (98) did so within 1 year.Conclusions This study showed a higher return to work rate in the first year, following treatment for breast cancer,than described previously. Workplace adjustments, recommended by an occupational physician,were provided for the majority.