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Cancer survivors' experiences of return to work: A qualitative study
Author(s) -
Zamanzadeh Vahid,
Valizadeh Leila,
Rahmani Azad,
Zirak Mohammad,
Desiron Huget
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.4840
Subject(s) - work (physics) , referral , cancer , qualitative research , affect (linguistics) , meaning (existential) , disease , gerontology , cancer survivor , rehabilitation , medicine , psychology , nursing , physical therapy , psychotherapist , sociology , mechanical engineering , social science , communication , pathology , engineering
Objective The study aimed to explore Iranian cancer survivors' experiences of returning to work. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 cancer survivors at their workplace and in a referral cancer center. Data were analyzed using a conventional content analysis technique. Results Three main categories were identified as important in cancer survivors' experiences of returning to work: (1) individual perspectives, (2) nature of disease, and (3) access to support system. Results showed that returning to work contained different meaning for men and women. Also, it was found that cancer survivors had limited information about the disease and return to work that made them doubtful about returning to work. Conclusion Cancer survivors have different individual perspectives that affect their decision about returning to work. Their perspectives should be assessed before returning to work, and necessary support should be provided for them in returning to work process. In this regard, health care systems and rehabilitation specialists should inform cancer survivors about the disease and return to work. Also, employers should prepare work places for cancer survivors' entrance.