ESTRO 2024 - Abstract Book

S2987

Interdiscplinary - Other

ESTRO 2024

The diagnosis of cancer negatively impacts both employment and workplace relationships in Tunisia.

Objective To investigate the impact of cancer diagnosis on employment and identify factors that contribute to job loss.

Material/Methods:

Between July and October 2023, a prospective study was conducted at the Jendouba Radiotherapy and Medical Oncology Centre. The study involved 110 patients who were undergoing or had completed radiotherapy/chemotherapy treatment, regardless of their age, gender, stage, and type of treatment. The study used a questionnaire that was distributed to all patients.

Results:

The median age of the patients was 50 years old [22-63], with 76% being women. Breast cancer was the most common tumour location, accounting for 60% of cases, followed by lung cancer at 20%. No patients had metastasis. A significant number of patients (50%) had completed secondary education. The majority (79%) were married and 60% hailed from urban areas. About 30% were employed in public sector while the rest (70%) were freelancers. Financial difficulty was reported in 69% of cases. Eighteen per cent have experienced intimidation from their colleagues at work. Twenty-five per cent said their colleagues avoided contact with them, fearing contagion. Sixty-four per cent of patients lost their jobs after being diagnosed. Fifty-two per cent experienced a reduction in their salary. Sixty per cent lost the opportunity to acquire some professional skills. Eighty per cent took a leave of absence lasting an average of 13 months [4-36], and only 44% returned to work. The reasons patients returned to work were financial difficulties in 70% of cases, and a desire to resume a normal working life in 30% of cases. Ninety-four per cent of patients reported lower anxiety after returning to work. Only 39% were evaluated by an occupational physician, and only 26% underwent professional reclassification. Eighty-three per cent desired reclassification. The following factors are correlated with job loss: living in a rural area(p=0.002), financial difficulties (p=0.034), freelance work (p=0.0001), a lower education level (p=0.01) and a salary below 1000dt (300 euro) (p=0.02).

Conclusion:

Cancer survivors experience professional changes post-treatment. Rehabilitation programs improve return to work.

Keywords: cancer, working life, job loss