Return to work of Italian cancer survivors: A focus on prognostic work-related factors

Background: Return to work (RTW) enhances the general well-being and social participation of cancer survivors (CSs).

Objective: To describe the predictive value of work-related factors on the RTW process of CSs. The work accommodations, the perceived workload, and the barriers and facilitations of RTW are also reported.

Methods: This population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in the Province of Reggio Emilia from July 2016 to July 2017. CSs who were 20-59 years old, first diagnosed with cancer, and employed at diagnosis were recruited.

Results: The majority of CSs (140/266, 53%) returned to work without difficulties, 42% reported difficulties, and 5% did not RTW. CSs who were shift workers (sex and age-adjusted Relative Risk [adj-RR] 1.30; 95% CI 0.94 -1.78) and who worked at night (adj-RR 1.36 95% CI 0.99 -1.86), in the evening (adj-RR 1.23; 95% CI 0.95 -1.57) and on Sundays (adj-RR 1.15; 95% CI 0.81 -1.63) perceived more difficulties. Physically demanding work and a long commute seemed to negatively impact RTW. Accommodations in work tasks (37%) or schedule (26%) were implemented. Workload was not acceptable for 18% of CSs. The main barriers concerned energy and drive functions, whereas remunerative employment was the foremost facilitation.

Conclusions: Healthcare professionals should address work-related factors that might influence RTW with personalized interventions of vocational rehabilitation.