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. 2021 Mar 1;127(5):801-808.
doi: 10.1002/cncr.33311. Epub 2020 Nov 24.

Results from a prospective longitudinal survey of employment and work outcomes in newly diagnosed cancer patients during and after curative-intent chemotherapy: A Wisconsin Oncology Network study

Amye J Tevaarwerk  1   2 , Kris Kwekkeboom  1   3 , Kevin A Buhr  2 , Alexandra Dennee  1 , William Conkright  4 , Adedayo A Onitilo  5 , Emily Robinson  6 , Harish Ahuja  7 , Roger W Kwong  8 , Ranveer Nanad  9 , Douglas A Wiegmann  2 , Karen Chen  10 , Noelle K LoConte  1   2 , Kari B Wisinski  1   2 , Mary E Sesto  1   2
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Results from a prospective longitudinal survey of employment and work outcomes in newly diagnosed cancer patients during and after curative-intent chemotherapy: A Wisconsin Oncology Network study

Amye J Tevaarwerk et al. Cancer. .

Abstract

Background: Postcancer work limitations may affect a substantial proportion of patients and contribute to the "financial toxicity" of cancer treatment. The degree and nature of work limitations and employment outcomes are poorly understood for cancer patients, particularly in the immediate period of transition after active treatment. We prospectively examined employment, work ability, and work limitations during and after treatment.

Methods: A total of 120 patients receiving curative therapy who were employed prior to their cancer diagnosis and who intended to work during or after end of treatment (EOT) completed surveys at baseline (pretreatment), EOT, and 3, 6, and 12 months after EOT. Surveys included measures of employment, work ability, and work limitations. Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, means with standard deviations) were calculated.

Results: A total of 111 participants completed the baseline survey. On average, participants were 48 years of age and were mostly white (95%) and female (82%) with a diagnosis of breast cancer (69%). Full-time employment decreased during therapy (from 88% to 50%) and returned to near prediagnosis levels by 12-month follow-up (78%). Work-related productivity loss due to health was high during treatment.

Conclusions: This study is the first to report the effects of curative intent cancer therapy on employment, work ability, and work limitations both during and after treatment. Perceived work ability was generally high overall 12 months after EOT, although a minority reported persistent difficulty. A prospective analysis of factors (eg, job type, education, symptoms) most associated with work limitations is underway to assist in identifying at-risk patients.

Keywords: cancer survivorship; cancer work limitations; return to work; working during cancer treatment.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosures: The authors report no conflicts of interest and no disclosures.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
a. Mean Work Ability Score with Standard Deviation by Study Time Point b-e. Mean WLQ Subscale Scores with Standard Deviation by Study Time Point
Figure 1
Figure 1
a. Mean Work Ability Score with Standard Deviation by Study Time Point b-e. Mean WLQ Subscale Scores with Standard Deviation by Study Time Point
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