Working After Cancer Study: Colorectal Cancer and Employment
Author Information
Author(s): Louisa G. Gordon, Brigid M. Lynch, Vanessa L. Beesley, Nicholas Graves, Catherine McGrath, Peter O'Rourke, Penelope M. Webb
Primary Institution: Griffith University
Hypothesis
The proportion of middle-aged working adults with a primary diagnosis of colorectal cancer who substantially alter their work hours or stop working by 12 months after diagnosis will be more than 15% higher than among middle-aged working adults in the general community.
Conclusion
The study aims to identify barriers to work resumption and evaluate their influence on health-related quality of life for colorectal cancer survivors.
Supporting Evidence
- Over 40,000 cancers are diagnosed in middle-aged people in Australia each year.
- Work participation is crucial for financial security and social purpose.
- Previous studies indicate that 30-93% of cancer survivors return to work.
Takeaway
This study looks at how people with colorectal cancer go back to work after their diagnosis and what challenges they face.
Methodology
A longitudinal population-based study involving 260 adults newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer and a comparison group of 520 adults without cancer.
Potential Biases
Potential bias may arise from self-reported data and the exclusion of non-English speakers or those with cognitive impairments.
Limitations
The study may not fully capture the experiences of all cancer survivors due to its focus on colorectal cancer and specific demographic groups.
Participant Demographics
Middle-aged adults (ages 45-64) diagnosed with colorectal cancer, matched by gender and age to a general population comparison group.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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