Abstract CN34
Background
The survival of cancer patients has increased considerably. This implies the possibility of return to work for patients after remission or cure. The primary aim of this study was to identify sociodemographic, professional and disease related factors influencing the professional outcome in the military population.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analytic study including active military cancer patients treated in the oncology department of the Military Hospital of Tunis between January 2016 and December 2018.
Results
We included 41 patients. Mean age was 44 years ± 8.3. The population was predominantly male (56%). Patients were administrative agents in 44% of cases. 63% had to do night guards shifts and carry weapons. The average professional seniority was 24.4 years ± 8.9 (4-40 years). Most frequent primary tumors were breast (44%) and colorectal tumors (22%). 35 patients (85%) had localized cancers. Multimodal treatment combining surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy interested 54% of patients. The mean duration of treatment was 11 months ± 7.5. No patient was referred to the occupational health professional and 63% of patients were followed up with a psychologist. The interruption of professional activity concerned 32 patients. 21 patients (66%) returned to the same job and 60% had exemptions. The main exemptions were restrictions on heavy work (44%), exemptions for carrying weapons (38%) and exemptions for night guards (41%). Predictive factors identified in univariate statistical analysis associated with return-to-work were the stage of the disease (p=0,015), the performance status at the time of diagnosis (p=0,001) and the need for psychological support (p=0,003). Five patients were referred to the reform commission and had 3 years of convalescence. Early pension was given to 4 patients.
Conclusions
Disease stage, the performance status at the time of diagnosis and the need for psychological support was involved in returning to work after cancer. There is a need to set up a multidisciplinary platform including oncologists, occupational health professionals and psychologists in order to improve professional reintegration process.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
Military Hospital of Tunis.
Funding
Has not received any funding.
Disclosure
All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.