Skip to main content
Top
Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 2/2019

Open Access 01-06-2019 | Brief Communication

Employees Diagnosed with Cancer: Current Perspectives and Future Directions from an Employer’s Point of View

Authors: Sietske J. Tamminga, Marije D. J. Wolvers, Michiel A. Greidanus, AnneClaire G. N. M. Zaman, Anna M. Braspenning, Monique H. W. Frings-Dresen, Angela G. E. M. de Boer

Published in: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation | Issue 2/2019

Login to get access

Abstract

Purpose and methods Cancer survivors have a higher risk of adverse work outcomes such as not being able to return to work (RTW). The process of returning to work is complex as a result of the diverse stakeholders and numerous factors involved related to the employee diagnosed with cancer, the work environment, health care system, and the legal system. One of the key stakeholders is the employer, as the employer is in the position to facilitate work accommodations. Therefore, the purpose of this brief review is to consider opportunities regarding the role of the employer to enhance the work participation of employees with cancer. Results and conclusions We currently know little about which aspects of employer support have a positive impact on the ability of employees diagnosed with cancer to retain at work or RTW. In addition, there is a lack of interventions and tools which support employers in their management of employees diagnosed with cancer. The inclusion of employer support into the workplace can help employees diagnosed with cancer with their work retention and RTW, which is an important aspect of their quality of life and benefits the society at large.
Literature
1.
go back to reference McCabe MS, Bhatia S, Oeffinger KC, Reaman GH, Tyne C, Wollins DS, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology Statement: achieving high-quality cancer survivorship care. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(5):631–640.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral McCabe MS, Bhatia S, Oeffinger KC, Reaman GH, Tyne C, Wollins DS, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology Statement: achieving high-quality cancer survivorship care. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(5):631–640.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
3.
go back to reference Shaw WS, Findley PA, Feuerstein M. Twenty years of multidisciplinary research and practice: the journal of occupational rehabilitation then and now. J Occup Rehabil. 2011;21(4):449–454.CrossRefPubMed Shaw WS, Findley PA, Feuerstein M. Twenty years of multidisciplinary research and practice: the journal of occupational rehabilitation then and now. J Occup Rehabil. 2011;21(4):449–454.CrossRefPubMed
4.
go back to reference Duijts S, Dalton SO, Lundh MH, Horsboel TA, Johansen C. Cancer survivors and return to work: current knowledge and future research. Psychooncology. 2017;26(5):715–717.CrossRefPubMed Duijts S, Dalton SO, Lundh MH, Horsboel TA, Johansen C. Cancer survivors and return to work: current knowledge and future research. Psychooncology. 2017;26(5):715–717.CrossRefPubMed
6.
go back to reference Duijts SFA, Kieffer JM, van Muijen P, van der Beek AJ. Sustained employability and health-related quality of life in cancer survivors up to four years after diagnosis. Acta Oncol (Madrid). 2017;56(2):174–182.CrossRef Duijts SFA, Kieffer JM, van Muijen P, van der Beek AJ. Sustained employability and health-related quality of life in cancer survivors up to four years after diagnosis. Acta Oncol (Madrid). 2017;56(2):174–182.CrossRef
7.
go back to reference Feuerstein M, Todd BL, Moskowitz MC, Bruns GL, Stoler MR, Nassif T, et al. Work in cancer survivors: a model for practice and research. J Cancer Surviv. 2010;4(4):415–437.CrossRefPubMed Feuerstein M, Todd BL, Moskowitz MC, Bruns GL, Stoler MR, Nassif T, et al. Work in cancer survivors: a model for practice and research. J Cancer Surviv. 2010;4(4):415–437.CrossRefPubMed
8.
go back to reference Mak AKY. Toward an occupational rehabilitation policy community for cancer survivors in Singapore: a stakeholder perspective from the SME employers. J Occup Rehabil. 2011;21(1):77–85. Mak AKY. Toward an occupational rehabilitation policy community for cancer survivors in Singapore: a stakeholder perspective from the SME employers. J Occup Rehabil. 2011;21(1):77–85.
9.
go back to reference Loisel P, Buchbinder R, Hazard R, Keller R, Scheel I, van Tulder M, et al. Prevention of work disability due to musculoskeletal disorders: the challenge of implementing evidence. J Occup Rehabil. 2005;15(4):507–524.CrossRefPubMed Loisel P, Buchbinder R, Hazard R, Keller R, Scheel I, van Tulder M, et al. Prevention of work disability due to musculoskeletal disorders: the challenge of implementing evidence. J Occup Rehabil. 2005;15(4):507–524.CrossRefPubMed
10.
go back to reference Tamminga SJ, De Boer AGEM, Verbeek JHAM, Frings-Dresen MHW. Breast cancer survivors’ views of factors that influence the return-to-work process—a qualitative study. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2012;38(2):144–154.CrossRefPubMed Tamminga SJ, De Boer AGEM, Verbeek JHAM, Frings-Dresen MHW. Breast cancer survivors’ views of factors that influence the return-to-work process—a qualitative study. Scand J Work Environ Health. 2012;38(2):144–154.CrossRefPubMed
11.
go back to reference Stergiou-Kita M, Pritlove C, Kirsh B. The “Big C”-stigma, cancer, and workplace discrimination. J Cancer Surviv. 2016;10(6):1035–1050.CrossRefPubMed Stergiou-Kita M, Pritlove C, Kirsh B. The “Big C”-stigma, cancer, and workplace discrimination. J Cancer Surviv. 2016;10(6):1035–1050.CrossRefPubMed
12.
go back to reference Greidanus MA, de Boer AGEM, de Rijk AE, Tiedtke CM, Dierckx de Casterlé B, Frings-Dresen MHW, et al. Perceived employer-related barriers and facilitators for work participation of cancer survivors: a systematic review of employers’ and survivors’ perspectives. Psychooncology. 2018;27(3):725–733.CrossRefPubMed Greidanus MA, de Boer AGEM, de Rijk AE, Tiedtke CM, Dierckx de Casterlé B, Frings-Dresen MHW, et al. Perceived employer-related barriers and facilitators for work participation of cancer survivors: a systematic review of employers’ and survivors’ perspectives. Psychooncology. 2018;27(3):725–733.CrossRefPubMed
13.
go back to reference Amir Z, Wynn P, Chan F, Strauser D, Whitaker S, Luker K. Return to work after cancer in the UK: attitudes and experiences of line managers. J Occup Rehabil. 2010;20(4):435–442.CrossRefPubMed Amir Z, Wynn P, Chan F, Strauser D, Whitaker S, Luker K. Return to work after cancer in the UK: attitudes and experiences of line managers. J Occup Rehabil. 2010;20(4):435–442.CrossRefPubMed
14.
go back to reference Tiedtke C, Dierckx de Casterlé B, de Rijk A, Christiaens M-R, Donceel P. Breast cancer treatment and work disability: patient perspectives. Breast. 2011;20(6):534–538.PubMed Tiedtke C, Dierckx de Casterlé B, de Rijk A, Christiaens M-R, Donceel P. Breast cancer treatment and work disability: patient perspectives. Breast. 2011;20(6):534–538.PubMed
15.
go back to reference Blinder V, Eberle C, Patil S, Gany FM, Bradley CJ. Women with breast cancer who work for accommodating employers more likely to retain jobs after treatment. Health Aff. 2017;36(2):274–281.CrossRef Blinder V, Eberle C, Patil S, Gany FM, Bradley CJ. Women with breast cancer who work for accommodating employers more likely to retain jobs after treatment. Health Aff. 2017;36(2):274–281.CrossRef
16.
go back to reference Tiedtke C, de Rijk A, Dierckx de Casterlé B, Christiaens M-R, Donceel P. Experiences and concerns about “returning to work” for women breast cancer survivors: a literature review. Psychooncology. 2010;19(7):677–683.CrossRefPubMed Tiedtke C, de Rijk A, Dierckx de Casterlé B, Christiaens M-R, Donceel P. Experiences and concerns about “returning to work” for women breast cancer survivors: a literature review. Psychooncology. 2010;19(7):677–683.CrossRefPubMed
17.
go back to reference Williams-Whitt K, Bültmann U, Amick B, Munir F, Tveito TH, Anema JR, et al. Workplace interventions to prevent disability from both the scientific and practice perspectives: a comparison of scientific literature, grey literature and stakeholder observations. J Occup Rehabil. 2016;26(4):417–433.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Williams-Whitt K, Bültmann U, Amick B, Munir F, Tveito TH, Anema JR, et al. Workplace interventions to prevent disability from both the scientific and practice perspectives: a comparison of scientific literature, grey literature and stakeholder observations. J Occup Rehabil. 2016;26(4):417–433.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
18.
go back to reference Amir Z, Popa A, Tamminga S, Yagil D, Munir F, de Boer A. Employer’s management of employees affected by cancer. Support Care Cancer. 2018;26(3):681–684.CrossRefPubMed Amir Z, Popa A, Tamminga S, Yagil D, Munir F, de Boer A. Employer’s management of employees affected by cancer. Support Care Cancer. 2018;26(3):681–684.CrossRefPubMed
19.
go back to reference McKay G, Knott V, Delfabbro P. Return to work and cancer: the Australian experience. J Occup Rehabil. 2013;23(1):93–105.CrossRefPubMed McKay G, Knott V, Delfabbro P. Return to work and cancer: the Australian experience. J Occup Rehabil. 2013;23(1):93–105.CrossRefPubMed
20.
go back to reference Tiedtke CM, Dierckx de Casterlé B, Frings-Dresen MHW, de Boer AGEM, Greidanus MA, Tamminga SJ, et al. Employers’ experience of employees with cancer: trajectories of complex communication. J Cancer Surviv. 2017;11(5):562–577.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Tiedtke CM, Dierckx de Casterlé B, Frings-Dresen MHW, de Boer AGEM, Greidanus MA, Tamminga SJ, et al. Employers’ experience of employees with cancer: trajectories of complex communication. J Cancer Surviv. 2017;11(5):562–577.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
21.
go back to reference Stergiou-Kita M, Pritlove C, van Eerd D, Holness LD, Kirsh B, Duncan A, et al. The provision of workplace accommodations following cancer: survivor, provider, and employer perspectives. J Cancer Surviv. 2016;10(3):489–504.CrossRefPubMed Stergiou-Kita M, Pritlove C, van Eerd D, Holness LD, Kirsh B, Duncan A, et al. The provision of workplace accommodations following cancer: survivor, provider, and employer perspectives. J Cancer Surviv. 2016;10(3):489–504.CrossRefPubMed
22.
go back to reference Tiedtke C, Donceel P, de Rijk A. Dierckx de Casterlé B. Return to work following breast cancer treatment: the employers’ side. J Occup Rehabil. 2014;24(3):399–409.PubMed Tiedtke C, Donceel P, de Rijk A. Dierckx de Casterlé B. Return to work following breast cancer treatment: the employers’ side. J Occup Rehabil. 2014;24(3):399–409.PubMed
25.
go back to reference Petersen KS, Momsen AH, Stapelfeldt CM, Olsen PR, Nielsen CV. Return-to-work intervention during cancer treatment: the providers’ experiences. Eur J Cancer Care (England). 2018;27(2):e12793.CrossRef Petersen KS, Momsen AH, Stapelfeldt CM, Olsen PR, Nielsen CV. Return-to-work intervention during cancer treatment: the providers’ experiences. Eur J Cancer Care (England). 2018;27(2):e12793.CrossRef
26.
go back to reference Kristman VL, Shaw WS, Boot CRL, Delclos GL, Sullivan MJ, Ehrhart MG, et al. Researching complex and multi-level workplace factors affecting disability and prolonged sickness absence. J Occup Rehabil. 2016;26(4):399–416.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Kristman VL, Shaw WS, Boot CRL, Delclos GL, Sullivan MJ, Ehrhart MG, et al. Researching complex and multi-level workplace factors affecting disability and prolonged sickness absence. J Occup Rehabil. 2016;26(4):399–416.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
27.
go back to reference Tikka C, Verbeek JHAM, Tamminga SJ, Leensen MCJ, de Boer AGEM. Rehabilitation and return to work after cancer: literature review. Luxembourg: EU-OSHA; 2017. Tikka C, Verbeek JHAM, Tamminga SJ, Leensen MCJ, de Boer AGEM. Rehabilitation and return to work after cancer: literature review. Luxembourg: EU-OSHA; 2017.
28.
go back to reference Ha-Vinh P, Régnard P, Huiart L, Sauze L, Eisinger F. [Self-employed and small business owners diagnosed with cancer: effect on entrepreneurial survival.] French. Sante Publique (Paris). 2015;27(1 Suppl):145–154. Ha-Vinh P, Régnard P, Huiart L, Sauze L, Eisinger F. [Self-employed and small business owners diagnosed with cancer: effect on entrepreneurial survival.] French. Sante Publique (Paris). 2015;27(1 Suppl):145–154.
29.
go back to reference Wilson S, Hicks B, Stevens H. Scoping the development of work and cancer support for SMEs. Executive summary. Brighton: Institute for Employment Studies; 2012. p. 1–6. Wilson S, Hicks B, Stevens H. Scoping the development of work and cancer support for SMEs. Executive summary. Brighton: Institute for Employment Studies; 2012. p. 1–6.
30.
go back to reference Tiedtke C, Donceel P, Knops L, Désiron H, Dierckx de Casterlé B, de Rijk A. Supporting return-to-work in the face of legislation: stakeholders’ experiences with return-to-work after breast cancer in Belgium. J Occup Rehabil. 2012;22(2):241–251.CrossRefPubMed Tiedtke C, Donceel P, Knops L, Désiron H, Dierckx de Casterlé B, de Rijk A. Supporting return-to-work in the face of legislation: stakeholders’ experiences with return-to-work after breast cancer in Belgium. J Occup Rehabil. 2012;22(2):241–251.CrossRefPubMed
31.
go back to reference Tamminga SJ, de Boer AGEM, Bos MMEM, Fons G, Kitzen JJEM, Plaisier PW, et al. A hospital-based work support intervention to enhance the return to work of cancer patients: a process evaluation. J Occup Rehabil. 2012;22(4):565–578.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral Tamminga SJ, de Boer AGEM, Bos MMEM, Fons G, Kitzen JJEM, Plaisier PW, et al. A hospital-based work support intervention to enhance the return to work of cancer patients: a process evaluation. J Occup Rehabil. 2012;22(4):565–578.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral
32.
go back to reference van Egmond MP, Duijts SFA, Scholten APJ, van der Beek AJ, Anema JR. Offering a tailored return to work program to cancer survivors with job loss: a process evaluation. BMC Public Health. 2016;16:940.CrossRefPubMedCentral van Egmond MP, Duijts SFA, Scholten APJ, van der Beek AJ, Anema JR. Offering a tailored return to work program to cancer survivors with job loss: a process evaluation. BMC Public Health. 2016;16:940.CrossRefPubMedCentral
Metadata
Title
Employees Diagnosed with Cancer: Current Perspectives and Future Directions from an Employer’s Point of View
Authors
Sietske J. Tamminga
Marije D. J. Wolvers
Michiel A. Greidanus
AnneClaire G. N. M. Zaman
Anna M. Braspenning
Monique H. W. Frings-Dresen
Angela G. E. M. de Boer
Publication date
01-06-2019
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 1053-0487
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3688
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10926-018-9802-x

Other articles of this Issue 2/2019

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation 2/2019 Go to the issue