Problems of vocational integration after cancer

Abstract

The study aimed to provide a descriptive analysis of work-related problems and problems of occupational integration following cancer, in the view of patients. Cancer patients ( n = 566) of two rehabilitation clinics were asked by questionnaire for their work-related problems and changes in work situation due to cancer as well as their evaluation of outcome of medical rehabilitation with regard to their occupational situation. The results show that in general, most patients seem either to take recourse to early retirement or are able to resume their occupational activity without special occupational training. Specific measures in vocational rehabilitation played almost no part in the experience of our survey population. From the point of view of patients, medical rehabilitation had a negligible influence on vocational integration. We found no significant differences between different cancer diagnostic groups, with regard to restrictions in work performance and other work-related problems. However, in line with similar results reported in the literature, blue-collar workers in our study returned less frequently to their former places of work, being more likely to take early retirement. The results are discussed concerning the methodological problems of the study.