From shaky grounds to solid foundations: A salutogenic perspective on return to work after cancer

Abstract

Background: Almost a third of employed individuals of working age fall out of work after cancer treatment.

Aim: To explore cancer survivors’ successful return to work, focusing on assets and resources utilized to resolve cancer- and work-related obstacles to achieve long-term employment.

Methods: We interviewed eight cancer survivors who had remained at work for at least 3 years after cancer treatment. We performed interpretative phenomenological analysis and applied Antonovsky’s salutogenic model of health as a framework.

Results: The participants experienced uncertainty regarding cancer recurrence, impairments, and long-lasting effects on work ability. They utilized a wide range of resistance resources at personal, interpersonal, and social levels. Their determination to return to work was generally strong, but the time needed to find sustainable work and strategies to return to work varied. All participants prioritized activities that energized them and adapted actively to their new situation. When unsure about outcomes, they focused on the best alternative and controlled fear cognitively.

Conclusions/Significance: Finding meaningful activities, testing actual work ability, and focusing on the best possible outcome seemed important to remain in work after cancer. It may be helpful to identify available resources and utilize them to resolve tensions resulting from cancer and cancer treatment.

Keywords:

• Survivors
• Cancer
• Return to Work
• Health Promotion
• Health Behavior
• Coping

Acknowledgements

Gratitude is extended to all the participants interviewed in the project.

Compliance with ethical standards

The Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics (REK) approved the present study in April 2015 (reference no. 2015/1232).

Participants provided informed consent before the interview took place and were informed in writing and verbally about their right to withdraw without any consequences.

Disclosure statement

Birgit Brusletto, Camilla Martha Ihlebæk, Nina Helen Mjøsund and Steffen Torp report no conflict of interest.

Data availability

The study was based on qualitative data, which are stored safely according to REK (refer to ethical consideration below). All data are anonymous and stored on a secure server at the university. This information cannot be accessed by anyone other than the researchers.