Affiliations: Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health
and Human Services, Northern Arizona University-Phoenix Biomedical Complex,
Phoenix, AZ, USA
Note: [] Corresponding author: Patricia Crist, Life Enhancement and
Accessible Places, Arizona University-Phoenix Biomedical Complex, Phoenix, AZ,
USA. Tel.: +1 602 827 2450; Fax: +1 602 827 2425; E-mail:
Patricia.Crist@nau.edu
Abstract: BACKGROUND: While the cancer survivor rate is nearly 68% now,
intervention regimens may leave residual conditions that impact engagement in
work and various life tasks. Survivors are underemployed and report
stigmatizing attitudes among co-workers. When late effects from cancer arise
over 10 years later, the impact on individuals in the prime of their productive
employment life is evident. Assisting these individuals begins with awareness
of late effects in order to create work-related, adaptive strategies. METHODS: Sixteen adult cancer survivors experiencing late effects
completed the Occupational Self Assessment (Version 2.2) and the Quality of
Life-Cancer Survivors (QOL-CS). Knowledge of functional problems secondary to
recognized late effects medical conditions reported in the literature was
utilized to sort items according to professional definitions of work,
performance skills and performance patterns. RESULTS: Late effects survivors reported that cancer illness and
treatment has negatively impacted their employment. Individual response to the
impact of late effects is highly variant. "Getting things done" and physical
energy limitations are most pronounced. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer survivors report lower competence in significant
work-related skills and patterns. Quality of life associated with the
aftereffects of fatigue, aches and pain, and sleep changes are the lowest.
Responses range across the 16 survivors to both performance skills and
performance patterns. Cancer survivorship has clearly interfered with
employment. An interdisciplinary focus on meaningful engagement in life
activities, particularly work is crucial to support survivors through advocacy,
adaptation and positive change to focus on engaging the work talents and gifts
for all cancer survivors.
Keywords: Survivorship, work, quality of life, competence, adaptation, advocacy
