Psychosocial Barriers to Employment of the Cancer Survivor

Abstract

This article is areview of the literature relating to employment of cancer survivors. Some studies, especially those of a decade ago, have reported various discriminatory actions on the part of employers and coworkers. Other follow-up studies of specific patient groups have found few documented problems and have concluded that most former cancer patients, those treated either in childhood or in adulthood, function well in society and in their vocational roles. State and federal laws provide a potential source of help for the person who does develop problems. The authors postulate that improved survival rates and current publicity and openness about cancer are serving to ameliorate the cancer patient's employment problems.