Return to work in head and neck cancer survivors: a systematic review
Details
Publication Year 2023-04,Volume 17,Issue #2,Page 468-483
Journal Title
Journal of Cancer Survivorship
Publication Type
Review
Abstract
PURPOSE: Cancer survivors face higher rates of unemployment compared with individuals without a history of cancer. Compared to other cancer types, head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors face unique disease and treatment-specific issues that may limit return to work (RTW). This review aimed to determine employment outcomes of HNC survivors post-treatment and identify factors associated with RTW. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO in December 2021. Inclusion criteria included adults (>/= 18 years); completed treatment for HNC; data available on RTW post-treatment. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were considered. Studies were critically appraised and data synthesised narratively. RESULTS: Twenty-nine publications were included: 22 quantitative, four qualitative and three mixed methods. The proportion of HNC survivors who RTW ranged from 32 to 90%, with participants taking 3.6-11 months to RTW. Working in a professional role and having a supportive work environment were positively associated with RTW. CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of HNC survivors who RTW varies significantly which may be due to the heterogeneity between the studies including difference in clinical characteristics of the participants and/or sample size. Future studies that are longitudinal, adequately powered and measure a range of clinical and demographic variables are needed to better understand the RTW experience and assist development of effective RTW strategies. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: This review suggests potential areas for intervention, including enhanced symptom management and engaging with employers to foster supportive work environments to support RTW of HNC survivors.
Publisher
Springer Nature
Keywords
Adult; Humans; Return to Work; *Cancer Survivors; *Head and Neck Neoplasms/therapy; Survivors; Employment; Head and neck cancer; Quality of life; Survivorship
Department(s)
Health Services Research; Australian Cancer Survivorship Centre; Radiation Oncology
PubMed ID
36396907
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Creation Date: 2023-08-07 07:16:25
Last Modified: 2023-08-07 07:17:40

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