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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2021

Open Access 01-12-2021 | Breast Cancer | Research article

Predictors of resignation and sick leave after cancer diagnosis among Japanese breast cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study

Authors: Kiyomi Mitsui, Motoki Endo, Yuya Imai, Yuito Ueda, Hiroko Ogawa, Go Muto, Yan Yan, Gautam A. Deshpande, Yasuhisa Terao, Satoru Takeda, Takeshi Tanigawa, Katsuji Nishimura, Kazuhiko Hayashi, Mitsue Saito, Akatsuki Kokaze

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2021

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Abstract

Background

In Japan, 55.5% of breast cancer survivors (BCSs) are of working age, so various perspectives regarding return to work (RTW) after cancer diagnosis need to be considered. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify the risk factors for resignation and taking sick leave (SL) among BCSs in continued employment at the time of diagnosis.

Methods

A web-based retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted on BCSs using data from a 2018 Japanese national research project (Endo-Han) commissioned by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare of Japan. The subjects were women aged 18–69 years who had been diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time at least 1 year previously. The risk factors for resignation and taking SL after breast cancer diagnosis, including age at diagnosis, education level, cancer stage, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, employment status, and occupational type, were then analyzed using a logistic regression model.

Results

In total, 40 (14.9%) of 269 BCSs quit their jobs at least 1 year after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The results of the multivariable analysis indicated that lower education level (odds ratio [OR]: 3.802; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.233–11.729), taking SL (OR: 2.514; 95%CI: 1.202–5.261), and younger age at diagnosis (OR: 0.470; 95%CI: 0.221–0.998) were predictors of resignation. Of 229 patients who continued working, SL was taken by 72 (31.4%). In addition, undergoing surgery was found to be a predictor of taking SL (OR: 8.311; 95%CI: 1.007–68.621).

Conclusions

In total, 40 (14.9%) of 269 BCSs quit their jobs at least 1 year after being diagnosed with breast cancer. The results of this study indicated that younger age, lower education level, and taking SL were predictors of resignation after breast cancer diagnosis.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Predictors of resignation and sick leave after cancer diagnosis among Japanese breast cancer survivors: a cross-sectional study
Authors
Kiyomi Mitsui
Motoki Endo
Yuya Imai
Yuito Ueda
Hiroko Ogawa
Go Muto
Yan Yan
Gautam A. Deshpande
Yasuhisa Terao
Satoru Takeda
Takeshi Tanigawa
Katsuji Nishimura
Kazuhiko Hayashi
Mitsue Saito
Akatsuki Kokaze
Publication date
01-12-2021
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-021-10168-2

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