Research Plus

Fatigue limits cancer RTW

In a study of patients who underwent treatment for head or neck cancer, only half of those employed at the time of diagnosis were working one year after treatment; 38% reported discontinuing work because of their cancer and treatment. Patients rated fatigue as the most likely reason for not returning to work (59% said this was a key factor); problems with eating (45%), speech (51%) and pain or discomfort (38%) were also important. Physical appearance had little impact on the decision to quit.

Archives of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, 2007; 133: 464–470.

Tags cancer evidence based practice Return to work

Occupational Health at Work August/September 2007 (vol. 04/2) pp41