Determinants of return to work in long-term metastatic breast cancer survivors: Results of a multicenter French cohort.

INTRODUCTION

Returning to work is a key factor in the quality of life of cancer patients. Few studies have been conducted on patients with metastatic cancer and return to work. The aim of this multicenter study was to determine the rate of returns to work or job retention and the factors associated in metastatic breast cancer patients with long-term survival.

METHODS

Metastatic breast cancer patients aged 18 to 62 under first-line treatment for at least 1 year with no progression and with a job before the cancer diagnosis were included. Patients completed a telephone questionnaire to gather information about their personal and professional environment.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients were finally included in the analysis. Of these 42 patients, 24 (57.2%) returned to work or pursued a professional activity during their treatment. Twenty-one patients (50%) returned to work after sick leave, half of them within one year. Factors associated with returning to work or job retention were high overall satisfaction with pre-cancer working life, discussions about the stay or return to work with oncologist or occupational physician and carrying heavy loads at work.

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that 57.2% of patients with metastatic breast cancer returned to work or kept their jobs. Further studies would be interesting to assess the impact of specific support programs.