Cancer survivorship and return to work: UK occupational physician experience.
BACKGROUND
Survivorship following diagnosis of cancer is increasing in prevalence. However, cancer survivors continue to report difficulty re-entering the workplace after diagnosis and treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To survey UK occupational health physicians (OHPs) regarding their role in rehabilitation of employed survivors of cancer.


METHODS
Following a pilot study, a questionnaire exploring opinions of OHPs regarding supporting cancer survivors' return to work was posted to all members of the UK Society of Occupational Medicine, with a repeat posting 2 months later. Responses were analyzed for significant correlations with OHP age, sex, qualification level, size of businesses advised and years of experience.


RESULTS
There were 797 respondents (response rate 51%). Responses suggested opportunities for developing the knowledge base in relation to prognosis and functional outcomes in patients with a cancer diagnosis; instituting information resources on cancer and work for OHPs and developing communications skills training. Most respondents felt managers treated referral to occupational health (OH) differently for employees with cancer compared with management referral for employees with other diagnoses, with 45% of respondents indicating referral may take place too late to be effective in securing a return to work. A significant lack of understanding of the information requirements of employers and the role of OH by treating doctors was identified.


CONCLUSIONS
This survey raises several possible significant barriers to return to work by cancer survivors. Recommendations to ameliorate these are made.
Amir
Ziv
Z
Macmillan Research Unit, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, University Place, Manchester, UK. ziv.amir@manchester.ac.uk
Wynn
Philip
P
Whitaker
Stuart
S
Luker
Karen
K
D000328:Adult; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004651:Employment / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009786:Occupational Health Services; D016134:Organizational Policy; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration; D018582:Sick Leave; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017741:Survivors