Are there sex differences in the work ability of cancer survivors? Norwegian experiences from the NOCWO study

Abstract

Background: This study investigated gender differences concerning work ability in working cancer survivors (CSs) and compared them to those of matched population-based controls.

Methods: A mailed questionnaire was completed by 446 Norwegian CSs (226 breast cancer, 166 testicular and 54 prostate cancer) with good prognosis 2-6 years after primary treatment and 588 controls (319 females and 269 males). Overall current work ability (OCWA) was the primary outcome measure, and ten indices of the physical, mental and social skill aspects of work ability (WA) were also studied.

Results: The mean OCWA score was higher amongst male CSs compared to females (p = 0.04). The mean OCWA score was similar in male CSs and controls (p = 0.17), whilst female CSs had significantly lower mean OCWA score than controls (p < 0.001). Mental WA neuroticism was higher amongst women in both CSs (p = 0.009) and controls (p = 0.001), and the same pattern was found for physical WA concerning the symptom score (p = 0.003 and <0.001, respectively). Sex had no significant association with OCWA in multivariate analyses. Significant associations were observed for physical and mental WA, but not for social skills.

Conclusions: OCWA was significantly better in male CSs than in female CSs. Male CSs did not differ from their controls, whilst female CSs scored significantly poorer than their controls. CSs with reduced overall work ability should be identified, and their mental and physical work ability should be examined independent of sex.