The labor and health economics of breast cancer.

We estimate the long-run labor market and health effects of breast cancer among Austrian women. Compared to a random sample of same-aged non-affected women, those diagnosed with breast cancer face a 22.8 percent increase in health expenses, 9 percent lower unconditional earnings, 5.8 lower employment probability, and an earnings penalty conditional on employment of 6.4 percent five years after diagnosis. We discuss changes in job quality, hours, incapacitation, and employer discrimination as potential mechanisms behind these labor market adjustments.