Employment and the common cancers: correlates of work ability during or following cancer treatment.
OBJECTIVE
To provide an in-depth review of the impact of cancer and cancer-related issues on work ability for those working during or following cancer treatment.


METHODS
Of total, 19 papers published between 1999 and 2008 on cancer and work ability were reviewed.


RESULTS
Studies have shown that most types of cancers result in decreased work ability compared to healthy controls or those with other chronic conditions. Some cancer types have more decreased work ability than other types. Decreased work ability is associated with type of treatment (chemotherapy), treatment-related side-effects (e.g. fatigue) and co-morbidity with other health conditions. For most cancers, work ability improves over time irrespective of age.


CONCLUSIONS
More longitudinal research is required to fully determine the impact of cancer and its treatment on work ability, occupational health services can help such employees make a full recovery and maintain employment by regularly assessing work ability and working hours so that work adjustment and support can be appropriately tailored.
Munir
F
F
Department of Human Sciences, Brockington Building, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, UK. F.Munir@lboro.ac.uk
Yarker
J
J
McDermott
Hilary
H
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000367:Age Factors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005221:Fatigue / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D018582:Sick Leave; D017741:Survivors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013997:Time Factors; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation; D014940:Work Schedule Tolerance / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents