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Working situation of cancer survivors versus the general population

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Abstract

Purpose

The purposes of this study were to compare the working situation of cancer survivors and the general (cancer-free) population and investigate characteristics associated with the increased likelihood of unemployment between the two groups.

Methods

We selected 1927 cancer survivors from the 2008 Korean Community Health Survey data less than 65 years of age and used propensity score matching to randomly select 1924 individuals from the general population who closely resembled the cancer survivors.

Results

Compared to the general population, cancer survivors were less likely to be engaged in paid work, particularly as permanent workers, and were more likely to work regular hours. Additionally, they tended to do less work that involved lifting or moving heavy objects and uncomfortable postures and were more willing to express their emotions. An increased probability of unemployment among cancer survivors was associated with being over 50 years old, being female, having a lower monthly income, having multiple comorbidities, belonging to a nuclear family, being a National Basic Livelihood Act beneficiary, and having a recent diagnosis.

Conclusion

Cancer survivors may want to pursue flexible occupations and improve their working situation. Further, they perceive their workplace more positively compared to the general population.

Implications for cancer survivors

Respecting the cancer survivor’s choice to find flexible working conditions that suit their health needs and status, health-care providers involved in managing work-related issues among cancer survivors should be aware of the interaction between work-related concerns and post-cancer disease management.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by Basic Science Research Program through the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) funded by the Ministry of  Science, ICT & Future Planning (2014R1A1A1006809).

Conflict of interest

Myung Kyung Lee and Young Ho Yun declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Nursing, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea

    Myung Kyung Lee

  2. Department of Medicine, Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital and College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-799, South Korea

    Young Ho Yun

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Correspondence to Young Ho Yun.

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Lee, M.K., Yun, Y.H. Working situation of cancer survivors versus the general population. J Cancer Surviv 9, 349–360 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-014-0418-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-014-0418-7

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