Returning to work in lung cancer survivors—a multi-center cross-sectional study in Germany

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Humayra Rashid - , Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Author)
  • Martin Eichler - , University Cancer Centre, Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Marlene Hechtner - , Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Author)
  • Emilio Gianicolo - , Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, National Research Council of Italy (Author)
  • Beatrice Wehler - , Saarland University (Author)
  • Roland Buhl - , Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Author)
  • Heinz Schmidberger - , Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Author)
  • Jan A. Stratmann - , University Hospital Frankfurt (Author)
  • Bernhard Gohrbandt - , Marienhaus Hospital Mainz (Author)
  • Cornelius Kortsik - , Marienhaus Hospital Mainz (Author)
  • Ursula Nestle - , Maria Hilf Hospital Moenchengladbach, University of Freiburg (Author)
  • Hubert Wirtz - , Leipzig University (Author)
  • Maria Blettner - , Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Author)
  • Susanne Singer - , Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz (Author)

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the work situation of lung cancer survivors and to identify the factors associated with their returning to work. Methods: Descriptive analysis and logistic regression were used to evaluate study population characteristics and independent factors of subsequently returning to work. To analyze time to return to work, Cox regression was used. Results: The study sample included 232 lung cancer survivors of working age from 717 enrolled participants in the multi-center cross-sectional LARIS (Quality of Life and Psychosocial Rehabilitation in Lung Cancer Survivors) study. About 67% of the survivors were not employed during the survey. More than 51% of the survivors who were employed before their illness did not return to their work. The survivors who had returned to their careers were younger, associated with higher household income, lower fatigue score, and stable relationship and vocational training. Patients who received social service counseling showed a higher chance of regaining their career. Conclusions: Lung cancer survivors were found to be associated with a high risk of unemployment and very low professional reintegration after interruption due to illness. More comprehensive studies are needed to support lung cancer survivors and targeting of patients in need of special attention in rehabilitation that would benefit from the findings in the present study.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3753-3765
Number of pages13
JournalSupportive care in cancer
Volume29
Issue number7
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 33211206
ORCID /0000-0001-9654-2207/work/142254150

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Keywords

  • Early retirement, Employment, Lung cancer, Returning to work