Return to work of breast cancer survivors: A systematic review of intervention studies
Authors: | Howard, L., Heslin, M., Leesee, M., McCrone, P., Rice, C., Jarrett, M., Spokes, T., Huxley, P., & Thornicroft, G. |
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Year Published | 2009 |
Publication | BioMed Central Cancer |
Volume | 9 |
Number | 117 |
Pages | 1-10 |
Publisher | BioMed Central |
Background |
More working aged women are surviving breast cancer. As a result more are returning to work. Unfortunately, efforts related to employment or return to work have not been given adequate attention by the research community. |
Purpose |
This review looked at various intervention studies that impact return to work for breast cancer survivors. |
Setting |
This study is a systematic review. The included studies were undertaken in various locations and settings. |
Sample |
The sample consisted of 4 studies involving women with breast cancer. |
Data Collection |
Database searches for studies conducted between 1970 and 2007 revealed 5219 studies. Four studies (1 published in the 1970's,2 in the 1980's and 1 in 2000)out of 100 potentially relevant abstracts were selected for review. |
Control |
There were no comparison or control conditions. |
Findings |
Among the 4 studies that meet the inclusion criteria, the intervention programs focused on improvement of physical, psychological, and social recovery. Although the majority of participants in these studies returned to work (75% to 85%) it is not clear if this would have been lower for individuals who did not receive counseling,exercise, or any other interventions, because only one study included a comparison group. |
Conclusions |
There is a lack of methodologically sound intervention studies on breast cancer survivors and return to work. More sound research is needed. |
URL | http://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-2407-9-117 |
Disabilities | |
Populations | Female |
Outcomes | Return to work |
NIDILRR Funded | No |
Research Design | Systematic reviews and meta-analysis |
Peer Reviewed | Yes |