Returning to work after treatment for haematological cancer : findings from Australia

Purpose: Despite the personal and economic importance of the issue of returning to work after cancer treatment, there are major limitations in the research literature on the topic. Indeed, in relation to the focus of the present article, the experience of return to work for Australian haematology patients, there is little research available.Methods The return-to-work findings are a sub-set from a study examining survivorship issues conducted through indepth, qualitative interviews with a state-wide sample (n=50) of individuals who were at least 1 year post-treatment for haematological malignancy.Results: There were three groups identified in relation to employment: (1) those who were retired and work was not an issue, (2) those who had successfully re-entered the workforce and (3) those who wanted to work but were finding the process of return-to-work difficult. It is the third group that is the major focus for this paper.Conclusions: The clear indications are that group 3 requiresassistance with return-to-work and were vulnerable to a range of psychosocial distress caused by inability to return to employment. Supportive care strategies to assist return to employment are provided.Relevance of manuscript to inform research, policies and/or programs: Current improvements in cancer treatments have not only increased the number of cancer survivors but also peoples’ ability to work during and following treatment. Maximising opportunities for cancer patients to return to work is a significant concern not only for individuals and employers but also economically for society. The findingsreported in this article explored the individual story of arange of individuals with haematological malignancies in relation to their desire and efforts to return to work. Importantly, the findings not only provide insights on the work re-entry challenges faced by such individuals but also posit supportive care service delivery solutions to assist those who are vulnerable and frustrated in their efforts to find employment.