Exploring primary breast cancer survivors' self-management of sustained cancer-related cognitive impairment in the workplace

Objective Work plays a central role in return to a more 'normal' life among women diagnosed with primary breast cancer. However, ongoing cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and cancer-related sequelae continue to detrimentally impact workability. Only a few studies have explored the long-term consequences of CRCI and self-management coping strategies applied in the workplace. This study explored women's experiences of sustained post-treatment CRCI and its impact on workability beyond the initial return-to-work (RTW), as well as experiences of self-management coping strategies. Method Forty employed women with a diagnosis of primary breast cancer who were between 6 and 60 months post-active treatment completed a semi-structured telephone interview. A 'framework' analysis approach was used. Results Two superordinate themes were identified: 'Sustained consequences of CRCI' and 'Self-management coping strategies to support work-related performance'. We found that the impact of CRCI extends beyond the initial RTW. The adopted self-management coping strategies could provoke mixed emotions, including emotional distress. Reduced workability was experienced up to 5-years post-active-treatment. Conclusion Sustained CRCI induces negative emotions, fatigue and diminishes confidence reducing workability long into survivorship beyond RTW. The self-management coping strategies implemented to manage these sequelae generate mixed feelings, with some describing the strategies as problematic and of little benefit.

Automated summary

This study examined the sustained impact of cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) on workability among women with primary breast cancer, as well as the experiences of self-management coping strategies. The findings suggest that CRCI can negatively affect workability beyond the initial return-to-work phase and that coping strategies may elicit mixed emotions.