Impact of gender and employment type on job loss among cancer survivors

Abstract

Abstract Objective To identify factors associated with cancer-related job loss following cancer diagnosis. Methods A multicentre cross-sectional survey was conducted among adult cancer survivors employed at the time of cancer diagnosis. Hierarchical multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association of gender and employment type with job loss after cancer diagnosis and if the interaction between gender and employment type predicted job loss. Results Of 1618 patients recruited, 1483 returned questionnaires (91.7% response rate). Data from 708 patients were eligible for analyses. Approximately 21% of patients had lost their job within 10 years of diagnosis. Patients who had undergone chemotherapy were more likely to lose their jobs than those who had not (OR = 3.24, 95% CI 2.13–4.91). Women were more likely to lose their jobs than men (OR = 2.58, 95% CI 1.48–4.50). Temporary employees were more likely to lose their jobs than regular employees (OR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.72–3.99). After controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics, no interaction effects between gender and employment type were observed (P = 0.44). Conclusions Women and temporary employees are more vulnerable to cancer-related job loss. Clinicians need greater awareness of the risk of patient job loss, and they need to assess patients’ employment types and provide appropriate support to balance treatment schedules and work.