부산대학교 도서관

Background and purpose: The aim of the present study was trying to investigate the working condition of cancer survivors and the influencing factors after returning to work. Method: Our study was conducted at a medical center in northern Taiwan, using a structured questionnaire to interview cancer survivors aged 20-70 who had a job and fixed salary. We collected information of their demographic characteristics, disease status, and changes in workplace. Basic statistical methods were used to explore the factors related to return-to-work of cancer survivors. Results: A total of 500 patients were enrolled in this study and the mean age of participants were 51 years with 30% males and 70% females. Most of the subjects were cohabiting or married couples (66.0%). Among industries, manufacturing was the largest (13.9%). In the part of disease conditions, breast cancer accounted for the largest population (46.8%). According to the subjects, the working hours, content, working environment, salary have not changed significantly after returning to work. However, nearly 80% of the subjects addressed that they did not receive consultation of occupational accidents from employers. More than half of the participants said that the illness did not affect their work performance. Last but not least, more than 80% of the subjects believed that they have enough support at workplace and nearly 90% of enrolled patients expressed that they were not discriminated in the work environment. Conclusion: Medical personnel and employers must understand the problems that cancer survivors might encounter after returning to work and give proper empathy and sufficient time should also be provided to increase cancer patients' confidence in return-to- work to create an attractive and supportive work environment.