Disability management and work ability in healthcare workers with a history of breast cancer: An occupational medicine perspective

Background Breast cancer is the most common cancer among working-age women, with implications for employment continuity, particularly in the healthcare sector. Objective This study aims to characterize the clinical and professional profile of healthcare workers with a history of breast cancer and to assess their residual work capacity using the Work Ability Index (WAI) in relation to their work history, cancer treatments and post-diagnosis organizational adjustments. Methods an observational cross-sectional study was conducted on 20 affected healthcare workers, all women (mean age 55.5 years), 60% nurses, with high exposure to night work (95%, mean duration 21 years) and multimodal treatments in 77–85% of cases. Results Overall work capacity was moderate, with a mean WAI 1 score of 8/10, balanced physical and mental demands (WAI 2: 4/5). Over 70% reported fewer than 25 days of absence in the previous year. No statistically significant associations were found between total WAI and year of birth, age at menopause or year of diagnosis. A trend towards lower scores was observed in workers with greater exposure to night shifts, total mastectomy or conditional fitness assessments. Approximately half of the sample was deemed fit with limitations (exemption from night shifts, reduction in load handling) and benefited from job transitions to departments with lower physical demands. Conclusions Our observations suggest that healthcare workers with a history of breast cancer can maintain satisfactory residual work capacity, and that targeted health surveillance, systematic WAI use, and personalized organizational accommodations may support occupational reintegration.