Key result
Collegial social support during cancer therapy was significantly associated with excellent work ability 8 years after breast cancer diagnosis (OR 1.16).
Why the study?
With an increasing population of breast cancer survivors, knowledge regarding work ability in this population is scarce.
Cross-Sectional (n=926)
Odds Ratio: 1.16 (95% CI 1.02–1.31)
p-value: p=0.03
In breast cancer survivors 8 years post-diagnosis, one-third report poor work ability, with collegial support during therapy acting as a protective factor and fatigue as a risk factor.
One-third of BCSs report poor work ability 8 years post-diagnosis; leaves open whether colleague support or fatigue management improves sustainability.
INTRODUCTION: As the 5-year survival rate after breast cancer in Norway is 92%, the population of breast cancer survivors (BCSs) is increasing. Knowledge of work ability in this population is scarce. In a population-based cohort of BCSs, we explored work ability 8 years after diagnosis and the association between work ability and social support, and cancer-related variables including late effects and lifestyle factors. METHODS: In 2019, all Norwegian women < 59 years when diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer in 2011 or 2012, were identified by the Cancer Registry of Norway and invited to participate in a survey on work life experiences. Work ability was assessed using the Work Ability Index (scale 0-10). Factors associated with excellent work ability (score ≥ 9) were identified using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses, and adjusted for socioeconomic-, health- and cancer-related variables. RESULTS: Of the 1951 eligible BCSs, 1007 (52.8%) responded. After excluding survivors with relapse (n = 1), missing information on work ability score (n = 49), or work status (n = 31), the final sample comprised 926 BCSs within working age at survey (< 67 years). Mean age at survey was 56 years and 8 years (SD 0.7) had passed since diagnosis. Work ability had been reduced from 8.9 (SD 2.3) at diagnosis to 6.3 (SD 3.1). One in three BCSs reported poor work ability (WAS ≤ 5), and seven out of ten reported that their physical work ability had been reduced due to cancer. Social support from colleagues during cancer therapy was associated with excellent work ability, which was not observed for social support provided by supervisors or the general practitioner. Cognitive impairment and fatigue were inversely associated with work ability. None of the cancer-related variables, including treatment, were associated with work ability 8 years after diagnosis. CONCLUSION: In this population-based sample, one in three BCSs reported poor work ability 8 years after diagnosis. Collegial social support during cancer therapy appears to be a protective factor for sustained work ability, whilst survivors struggling with fatigue and cognitive impairments may represent a particularly vulnerable group for reduced work ability.
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Vandraas et al. (2022) conducted a cross-sectional in Breast Cancer (n=926). Collegial social support during cancer therapy vs. Low collegial social support was evaluated on Excellent work ability (Work Ability Score ≥ 9) (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.02-1.31, p=0.03). Collegial social support during cancer therapy was significantly associated with excellent work ability 8 years after breast cancer diagnosis (OR 1.16).
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