Lung cancer survivors and employment: A systematic review

Background: The aim of this systematic review is to identify, in a comprehensive manner, the impact of lung cancer on the employment status of survivors.

Methods: The Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement was used as a formal guideline. The systematic review includes scientific papers published between January 2000 and October 2018. The search strategy queried the database MEDLINE. Inclusion criteria comprised: (1) inclusion of patients diagnosed with lung cancer (LC) (2); assessment of employment status or employment outcomes or work adjustments or return to work (3); inclusion of scientific papers published in peer-reviewed journals (4); inclusion of articles written either in English or in French. Literature reviews were not included.

Results: A total of 642 scientific papers were retrieved. Twenty-three articles were included in the systematic review: 5 longitudinal studies and 18 cross-sectional studies. LC survivors are 2-3 times more likely to be unemployed as compared with control groups. Previous studies highlight a median duration of sickness absence increased for LC survivors compared to control groups. The strongest decline in earnings was observed among LC survivors as compared to other cancer types.

Conclusions: LC is associated with a significant impact on employment of patients. The promising results of recent therapeutic strategies could lead to a better social and professional prognosis. A reduction of indirect costs is to be expected.