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01-09-2018 | Review Article

Return to work in European Cancer survivors: a systematic review

Authors: Sara Paltrinieri, Stefania Fugazzaro, Lucia Bertozzi, Maria Chiara Bassi, Martina Pellegrini, Massimo Vicentini, Elisa Mazzini, Stefania Costi

Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 9/2018

Abstract

Purpose

Return to work (RTW) of cancer survivors (CSs) fluctuates in different contexts. This systematic review searched for recent data on the RTW rate of CSs in Europe, investigating associated factors.

Methods

Bibliographic search covered the period from January 2010 to February 2018, with no language restrictions. European population-based studies assessing RTW rate after cancer diagnosis were included. We excluded studies focusing on a specific cancer diagnosis.

Results

Twelve observational studies were selected. The cohorts investigated included 280 to 46,720 individuals from Northwestern and Central Europe diagnosed with cancer from 1987 to 2010. The median interval between diagnosis and documented RTW was 2 years (0.2–23.4 years). RTW rates of CSs ranged from 39 to 77%. RTW of individuals employed at the time of diagnosis ranged from 60 to 92%, the latter registered in a sample with good prognosis. Personal factors, work-related factors, and cancer-related factors were all associated with RTW. Healthcare team interventions facilitated reintegration to work.

Conclusions

Data from Mediterranean and Central European countries are urgently needed to understand whether RTW is an issue for CSs there as well and whether socio-rehabilitative interventions are required to mitigate the potential negative impact of cancer on individuals and society.

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Title: Return to work in European Cancer survivors: a systematic review
Authors: Sara Paltrinieri
Stefania Fugazzaro
Lucia Bertozzi
Maria Chiara Bassi
Martina Pellegrini
Massimo Vicentini
Elisa Mazzini
Stefania Costi
Publication date: 01-09-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer / Issue 9/2018
Print ISSN: 0941-4355
Electronic ISSN: 1433-7339
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-018-4270-6

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