Factors related to the return to work of head and neck cancer patients diagnosed between 2004-2011 in Belgium: a multivariate Fine-Gray regression model analysis.

Background: This study aims to identify the key factors that underlie the return to work (RTW) of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients in Belgium.

Methods: We used data from the EMPCAN database linking data from the Belgian Cancer Registry and the Crossroads Bank for Social Security. We selected HNC patients aged 18-60 at diagnosis who became inactive on the labour market during the follow-up time observed (n = 398).

Policy Brief - Survivorship is cancer survivorship the poor cousin of cancer control within the EBCP?

Background: There is an increasing number of cancer survivors, including children, adolescents, young adults, individuals of working age, and the elderly, within the Belgian and European population. Yet, survivorship care and rehabilitation are often treated as an afterthought in care organisation. This not only directly affects the quality of life of survivors and carers, but also puts the sustainability of the healthcare and social security systems at risk.

Improve the management of cancer-related cognitive impairment in clinical settings: a European Delphi study.

Purpose: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) is under-addressed by healthcare professionals owing to a lack of clinical management guidelines. This European Delphi study proposes recommendations to healthcare professionals for the management of CRCI in patients with non-central nervous system (non-CNS) cancers.

Methods: Twenty-two recommendations were developed based on a literature review and authors' clinical experience, split into three categories: screening, cognitive assessment, intervention.

The EMPCAN study: protocol of a population-based cohort study on the evolution of the socio-economic position of workers with cancer.

Background: The improvements in cancer control led to an increase in the number of cancer survivors, notably, in the working age population (16-64 years). There is a strong need to assess and understand their reintegration on the labour market, which underlines and ensures their social integration and quality of life. The objectives of the EMPCAN study is therefore to measure the scale of return-to-work after cancer and to identify the determining factors, allowing for the implementation of an adequate socio-professional support.

Assessing factors associated with long-term work disability after cancer in Belgium: a population-based cohort study using competing risks analysis with a 7-year follow-up.

Objectives: The number of workers with cancer has dramatically increasing worldwide. One of the main priorities is to preserve their quality of life and the sustainability of social security systems. We have carried out this study to assess factors associated with the ability to work after cancer.

Barriers and opportunities for return-to-work of cancer survivors: time for action--rapid review and expert consultation.

Background: The spread of early detection and the improvement of cancer treatment have led to an increased prevalence of cancer survivors, including in the working age population. Return-to-work (RTW) of cancer survivors has become a key issue for national cancer control plans. This study aims (1) to identify the factors that have an impact on RTW of cancer survivors and to draw a risk profile supporting health professionals in the screening of those at risk for barriers of RTW and (2) to sharpen these results with input from health, social security and academic Belgian experts and to provide evidence-based recommendations that facilitate RTW of cancer survivors.