Occupational adjustments and work ability of young adult cancer survivors: results from the AYA-Leipzig study.

Purpose: Adolescent and young adult cancer survivors (AYA-CS) face a long working life after treatment, yet factors related to a successful return to work remain largely unexplored. We therefore aimed to investigate the use of occupational adjustments and their impact on work ability upon return to work.

Methods: As part of the AYA-LE study, we surveyed AYA-CS (aged 18-39 at diagnosis) who returned to work and assessed work ability (Work Ability Index) as well as use and benefit of occupational adjustments. We analyzed predictors of use and benefit of occupational adjustments on average 4 years post-diagnosis using multivariate linear and logistic regression.

Results: Out of 438 AYA-CS, 389 (88.8%) returned to work after cancer diagnosis and were included in analyses. Mean work ability was M = 36.2 (SD = 6.9), 11.4% reported poor, 34.7% moderate, 41.4% good and 12.5% excellent work ability. Following treatment, 82.3% used occupational adjustments, most frequently: flexible working hours, gradual reintegration and reduced working hours. The probability of a reduction in working hours was found to be higher among older AYA-CS (≥ 30), female gender and with a fatigue index ≥ 11 (R2 = 0.073). A fatigue index < 11, elevated levels of pain and the presence of metastases/recurrence were associated with a lower benefit of reduced working hours (R2 = 0.183). Younger age (< 30) and stem cell transplant were associated with a lower benefit of support from colleagues (R2 = 0.077).

Conclusion: Our results highlight the need for targeted occupational counselling throughout the treatment and even beyond the return-to-work process, considering individual and social factors.