Return to Work in Patients with Hematological Cancers 1 Year after Treatment: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND: Although hematological cancer survivors have a high risk of disability, data on work-related issues are scarce for this population.

METHODS: We investigated return to work (RTW) and work ability (Work Ability Index, WAI) in hematological cancer patients 6 months and 1 year after cancer treatment. We explored associations between baseline sociodemographic and medical characteristics and RTW as well as work ability at follow-up.

RESULTS: The participation rate was 42% (baseline n = 91, after 12 months n = 40 (44%)). 6 months after cancer treatment, 33% (95% confidence interval 21%-46%) of the remaining patients had returned to work. After 12 months, the RTW rate was 58% (42%-73%). Mean WAI sum score ± SD significantly increased from 18.5 ± 7.3 at baseline to 28.3 ± 8.3 after 12 months (p = 0.001). Patients with lymphoma (r = 0.31, p = 0.02) and patients who received radiation therapy (r = 0.29, p = 0.04) were significantly more likely to return to work. Work ability after 6 months was most strongly associated with higher education (r = 0.60, p < 0.01). Patients' subjective prognosis of gainful employment before cancer treatment predicted work ability after 6 (r = 0.62, p < 0.01) and 12 months (r = 0.51, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: The chance of returning to work of hematological malignancy survivors is similar to that of other cancer patients.