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International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health

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Open Access 01-02-2021 | Review

The associations between late effects of cancer treatment, work ability and job resources: a systematic review

Authors: Ingrid G. Boelhouwer, Willemijn Vermeer, Tinka van Vuuren

Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health | Issue 2/2021

Abstract

Objective

The aim of this review is to evaluate associations between possible late effects of cancer treatment (i.e. physical complaints, fatigue, or cognitive complaints) and work ability among workers beyond 2 years after cancer diagnosis who returned to work. The role of job resources (social support, autonomy, leadership style, coaching, and organizational culture) is also evaluated.

Methods

The search for studies was conducted in PsycINFO, Medline, Business Source Premier, ABI/Inform, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and Web of Science. A quality assessment was used to clarify the quality across studies.

Results

The searches included 2303 records. Finally, 36 studies were included. Work ability seemed to decline shortly after cancer treatment and recover in the first 2 years after diagnosis, although it might still be lower than among healthy workers. No data were available on the course of work ability beyond the first 2 years. Late physical complaints, fatigue and cognitive complaints were negatively related with work ability across all relevant studies. Furthermore, social support and autonomy were associated with higher work ability, but no data were available on a possible buffering effect of these job resources on the relationship between late effects and work ability. As far as reported, most research was carried out among salaried workers.

Conclusion

It is unknown if late effects of cancer treatment diminish work ability beyond two years after being diagnosed with cancer. Therefore, more longitudinal research into the associations between possible late effects of cancer treatment and work ability needs to be carried out. Moreover, research is needed on the buffering effect of job resources, both for salaried and self-employed workers.

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Title: The associations between late effects of cancer treatment, work ability and job resources: a systematic review
Authors: Ingrid G. Boelhouwer
Willemijn Vermeer
Tinka van Vuuren
Publication date: 01-02-2021
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health / Issue 2/2021
Print ISSN: 0340-0131
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1246
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-020-01567-w

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The associations between late effects of cancer treatment, work ability and job resources: a systematic review

Abstract

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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Abstract

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