Breast cancer survivorship and employment in Ireland: Legislative systems and the return to work of women with breast cancer

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer in females worldwide. While work is important for well-being, 84% of women in Ireland temporarily or permanently cease working up to six months post-breast cancer diagnosis. Under Irish law, there is a right to reasonable work accommodations, however paid sick leave has only recently been state-mandated. Legislation internationally varies across nations. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of women who have had breast cancer returning to, and/or remaining in work, in the context of employment legislation. METHODS: Fifteen women with breast cancer, fifteen healthcare professionals, and nine employers nationwide participated in a qualitative-descriptive design, using semi-structured interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and data analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-nine participants were recruited. A prominent theme from interviews was that most women with breast cancer and healthcare professional cohorts were not aware of employment rights in the context of cancer diagnoses. This is in contrast to employers. Experiences of sick leave and pay entitlements varied amongst women with breast cancer with financial pressure and expediated the return to work evident for some participants. Most women did not report any discrimination on returning to the workplace, although there were examples of indirect discrimination where unfair expectations were being placed on women by colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: Education and awareness on employment rights and entitlements during and after cancer treatment is warranted. This could be incorporated into work-focused interventions to support those living with and beyond cancer to transition back into the workplace.