Return to work and breast cancer: Perspectives from Canadian employers.

Bilodeau K. (2022). Return to work and breast cancer: Perspectives from Canadian employers. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology Research and Practice, 4(S19:307):23

Background/rationale or Objectives/purpose:
Most breast cancer survivors return to work (RTW) after cancer treatment. Breast cancer (BC) is often associated with positive social images related to the desire of survivors to be healthy or to want to return to normality quickly. Considering a large number of this population and the presence of social constructs, it seems relevant to explore employers’ perspectives on managing RTW of an employee affected by BC. This presentation aims to describe the perceptions of workplace actors regarding the RTW support of employees affected by BC.

Methodology or Methods:
Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives of organizations of various sizes (,100 employees, 100-500 employees .500 employees). Transcribed data were analyzed using iterative data analysis. Impact on practice or Results: Four major themes emerged from the data: 1) Support the RTW at the employee’s pace; 2) Being human in its management; 3) Meeting the challenges of RTW after breast cancer, and 4) Difficulties and barriers of supporting RTW.

Discussion or Conclusions:
During RTW after breast cancer treatments, employers can adopt a humanistic management style by offering flexibility and more accommodations. They may be more sensitive to this diagnosis, leading some to seek more information from their acquaintances who have experienced this diagnosis. Challenges remain to better support RTW, such as the lack of information, complaints from colleagues, and communication issues. Finally, our results highlight the sensitivity of employers to the experience of their employees. It is suggested that activities presenting testimonials from employees and situational scenarios and even simulations be added to existing training programs.

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