Affiliations: Department of Oncology, Hospital Príncipe de
Asturias, University of Alcala, Madrid, Spainn | Department of Oncology, Hospital La Paz, Madrid,
Spain
Note: [] Corresponding author: Raquel Molina, Department of Oncology,
Hospital Principe de Asturias, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alcala,
Carretera Alcala-Meco s/n., Alcalá de Henares 28805, Madrid, Spain.
Tel.: +34 918878100 ext 2363/2457; Fax: +34 915791279; E-mail:
mvraq@hotmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Because of improvements in diagnosis and treatment,
cancer survival has increased in recent decades. Cancer survivors may
experience problems when returning to their normal lives, particularly with
returning to work. In the past few decades, a number of studies examining the
work-return process of cancer survivors have been conducted in a select group
of countries, but comparable studies are lacking in other countries, including
Spain. OBJECTIVE: To review the research literature on cancer and work in
Spain and the design and methodology of the interventions studied. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed on return to
work and employment in Spanish cancer survivors with the databases PubMed,
Medline and Spanish database IME. RESULTS: Eight studies were reviewed and analyzed. The studies had a
mean sample size of 115 participants. Two of the studies predominantly focused
on mixed cancer populations; 3 of the studies focused on breast cancer
patients, 1 study focused on head and neck cancer patients, 1 study focused on
colorectal cancer patients and 1 study focused on patients with lymphoma. CONCLUSIONS: Further research in Spain and other countries is
necessary, and efforts should be made to support the re-employment of cancer
patients.
