Cancer Survivors’ Experiences of Return to Work: Qualitative Study

Objective: The study aimed to explore Iranian cancer survivors’ experiences of returning to work.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 cancer survivors at their workplaceand in referral cancer center. Data were analyzed using conventional content analysis technique.Results: Three main categories were identified as important in cancer survivors’ experiences ofreturning to work: 1) individual perspectives, 2) nature of disease and 3) access to support system.Results showed that returning to work contained different meaning for men and women. Also, itwas found that cancer survivors had limited information about the disease and return to work(RTW) that made them doubtful about returning to work.Conclusion: Cancer survivors’ have different individual perspectives that affect their decisionabout returning to work. Their perspectives should be assessed before returning to work andnecessary support should be provided for them in returning to work process. In this regard, healthcare systems and rehabilitation specialists should inform cancer survivors about the diseaseand RTW. Also, employers should prepare work places for cancer survivors’ entrance.