Work satisfaction and quality of life in cancer survivors in the first year after oncological rehabilitation

BACKGROUND: Since a growing number of patients are likely to return to work (RTW) after cancer diagnosis and treatment, there is an increasing recognition of the work situation, and the physical as well as psychosocial functioning among those survivors who returned to work.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively examine Health Related quality of Life (HRQoL) and different aspects of work satisfaction in cancer survivors.

PARTICIPANTS: N=702 employed cancer patients (85% women) were recruited on average 11 months post diagnosis and assessed at the beginning (<formula>t_1</formula>), the end (<formula>t_2</formula>) and 12 months after cancer rehabilitation program (<formula>t_3</formula>).

METHODS: Participants completed validated measures assessing work satisfaction, working conditions, job strain and HRQoL.

RESULTS: Participants showed a high work satisfaction and were most satisfied with job related activities and least satisfied with work organization and leadership. Total work satisfaction was significantly associated with older age, higher monthly income, higher school education, and HRQoL, but not with any cancer- or treatment related characteristics. No significant changes in work satisfaction over time were observed except for a significant deterioration in satisfaction with job related activities (p=0.002; η<formula> ^2</formula> =0.019), professional acknowledgement (p=0.036; η<formula> ^2</formula> =0.009), and overall work satisfaction (p < 0.001; η<formula> ^2</formula> =0.087) with small to moderate effect sizes.

CONCLUSIONS: Our findings emphasize the need for comprehensive cancer rehabilitation programs and specific vocational interventions.