Taking action, return-to-work strategies used by Iranian cancer survivors: a qualitative study.

Abstract

Objectives: The transition back to work after cancer is a significant milestone for many survivors, affecting their financial stability, psychological well-being and overall quality of life. Return-to-work (RTW) process is often complicated by lingering physical and cognitive impairments, changes in self-identity and workplace dynamics. Understanding how cancer survivors navigate this process is crucial for the development of effective support systems. This study aimed to explore strategies employed by cancer survivors in managing the RTW process.

Design: This study employed a qualitative content analysis approach to explore RTW strategies used by cancer survivors.

Setting: The study was conducted at a referral cancer centre and the workplaces of cancer survivors located in East Azerbaijan, Iran.

Participants: A total of 22 cancer survivors were selected using purposive sampling. These participants had completed primary cancer treatment and had rich and diverse RTW-related experiences. Data were collected through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews and then analysed using the inductive content analysis approach described by Graneheim and Lundman (2004).

Results: 'Active Strategies for Returning to Work' constituted the main theme and consisted of three categories, including assessing the situation, self-accommodation and impressing the workplace.

Conclusions: Cancer survivors actively engaged in RTW. They evaluate their situations before returning to work, seek to accommodate themselves to their circumstances and impress their workplaces to gain the necessary support. Healthcare providers, employers and families, as the most influential parties in the RTW process of cancer survivors, should recognise survivors' positive strategies and provide informational, financial, emotional and occupational support.