Return to Work in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors: a Systematic Review

Overview

Journal J Cancer Surviv

Specialty Oncology

Date 2022 Nov 17

PMID 36396907

Authors

Claudia Zecena Morales

Karolina Lisy

Lachlan McDowell

Amanda Piper

Michael Jefford

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Purpose: Cancer survivors face higher rates of unemployment compared with individuals without a history of cancer. Compared to other cancer types, head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors face unique disease and treatment-specific issues that may limit return to work (RTW). This review aimed to determine employment outcomes of HNC survivors post-treatment and identify factors associated with RTW.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO in December 2021. Inclusion criteria included adults (≥ 18 years); completed treatment for HNC; data available on RTW post-treatment. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were considered. Studies were critically appraised and data synthesised narratively.

Results: Twenty-nine publications were included: 22 quantitative, four qualitative and three mixed methods. The proportion of HNC survivors who RTW ranged from 32 to 90%, with participants taking 3.6-11 months to RTW. Working in a professional role and having a supportive work environment were positively associated with RTW.

Conclusions: The proportion of HNC survivors who RTW varies significantly which may be due to the heterogeneity between the studies including difference in clinical characteristics of the participants and/or sample size. Future studies that are longitudinal, adequately powered and measure a range of clinical and demographic variables are needed to better understand the RTW experience and assist development of effective RTW strategies.

Implications For Cancer Survivors: This review suggests potential areas for intervention, including enhanced symptom management and engaging with employers to foster supportive work environments to support RTW of HNC survivors.

Citing Articles

Return to Work Up to 5 Years After the End of Treatment Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer.

Jansen F, Eerenstein S, Arman S, Lissenberg-Witte B, Hardillo J, Takes R JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2025; .

PMID: 39913126 PMC: 11803513. DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2024.4991.

Van den Broecke M, de Jong S, Vanthomme K, Kiasuwa Mbengi R, Vanroelen C Arch Public Health. 2024; 82(1):155.

PMID: 39267126 PMC: 11391679. DOI: 10.1186/s13690-024-01373-7.

Organization of head and neck cancer rehabilitation care: a national survey among healthcare professionals in Dutch head and neck cancer centers.

Passchier E, Beck A, Stuiver M, Retel V, Navran A, van Harten W Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2024; 281(5):2575-2585.

PMID: 38324056 PMC: 11023954. DOI: 10.1007/s00405-024-08488-1.

Mapping the impact of malnutrition as defined by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition and nutrition impact symptoms on the possibility of returning to work after treatment for head and neck cancer.

Einarsson S, Bokstrom A, Laurell G, Tiblom Ehrsson Y Support Care Cancer. 2023; 32(1):55.

PMID: 38133825 PMC: 10746764. DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08252-x.

Effects of a return to work program on the health and barriers to returning to work in head and neck cancer patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Chang Y, Huang B, Lin C, Chung C, Chen S Asia Pac J Oncol Nurs. 2023; 10(12):100320.

PMID: 38059206 PMC: 10696387. DOI: 10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100320.

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