O-399 Return to Work After Breast Cancer. Promoting Integration in the Workplace

Introduction The return to work (RTW) of women with breast cancer (BC) is a crucial stage of patients’ recovery and is linked to a higher survival rate. In this study, we focused on the RTW with the goal of directly assisting this process at work. Methods The study included 32 women who asked for help between January and December 2022. A group of three occupational doctors conducted medical exams and semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to examine interviews. Additionally, a quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the health of BC women in comparison to a control group of 160 working women, using standardized questionnaires on work ability, fatigue, sleep problems, anxiety, depression, and happiness. Results Three facilitating/hindering themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: (1) person-related variables, (2) company-related factors, and (3) society-related factors. In the quantitative study, BC survivors scored substantially lower on happiness than controls and significantly higher on anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and fatigue. Discussion Adapting working circumstances and offering sufficient assistance are required for RTW. The work-related study of each case allowed for the identification of the appropriate steps that must be taken at work to support RTW. Conclusion Cancer therapy should be combined with suggestions for how to resume employment.