Experiences of return to work after treatment for extremital soft tissue or bone sarcoma: Between distraction and leaving the disease behind.

Objective: We aimed to explore the return to work (RTW) experience of individuals in remission from extremital sarcoma.

Methods: Using a qualitative survey design, we asked sarcoma survivors about their RTW experiences after treatment. Seven men and eight women (n = 15), 43 years old in average, participated. The majority had soft tissue sarcoma (n = 14) and no amputations (n = 14). We analysed data thematically through an inductive approach.

Results: Participants' motivation to RTW and their experiences of this transition could be understood under the main theme of "searching for distraction and wanting to leave the disease behind," followed by "problems of the new normal." RTW was the next step after treatment; however, being back at the same workplace/institution was challenging due to the interference of the effects of the disease and treatments and peer perceptions. In other subthemes, we identified that RTW was facilitated by different "signs of readiness," as well as by "motivating factors and the meaning of having an occupation."

Conclusions: Readiness to RTW while primarily an autonomous decision can also be guided by third parties, including treating physicians. RTW can be challenging, since changes in performance as well as comments from peers become a constant reminder of the status prior to the illness. Given that RTW helps distract from the disease, these reminders can be confronting and highlight the role of health professionals and employers in preparing survivors and peers to facilitate the RTW.