Returning to work after cancer: Survivors', caregivers', and employers' perspectives

OBJECTIVE: The Return to Work Initiative was launched to build a comprehensive understanding of issues, needs, current resources, and available supports for Canadian cancer survivors returning to work as the basis for developing a national action plan. METHODS: This Initiative drew on perspectives of stakeholders through a survey and consultations with cancer survivors and caregivers to learn about challenges regarding return to work and interviews and focus groups with workplace representatives and employers to determine issues encountered in the workplace. Common perspectives across stakeholder groups were identified. RESULTS: Cancer survivors (n = 410) described reduction in income, positive and negative experiences returning to work, and work-related issues regarding side effects. Caregivers (n = 60) described loss of concentration and productivity, stress, and lack of support from coworkers. Employer representatives (n = 68) revealed challenges for managers knowing how best to support cancer survivors as there are few of them of which they are aware. All stakeholders agreed that returning to work for cancer survivors is challenging. Multiple strategies are needed to achieve success: in-depth understanding of the issues, consideration of accommodation, communication among stakeholders, education, resources, and financial support. CONCLUSIONS: The work provided a foundation for making decisions about how to proceed to improve return to work for Canadian cancer survivors.