| Return-to-Work Experiences among Breast Cancer Survivors |
|
허은경1, 강희선2, 김경희2, 홍연표2 |
1강남성심병원
2중앙대학교 |
| 유방암 생존자의 직장복귀 경험 |
|
허은경1, 강희선2, 김경희2, 홍연표2 |
1강남성심병원
2중앙대학교 |
|
|
| Abstract |
Objectives
The purpose of this study was to describe the return-to-work experiences of breast cancer survivors.
Methods
The subjects in this study were 10 women who were working at the time when they were diagnosed with breast cancer. Data were collected from September to November, 2009, by an in-depth interview.
Results
The return-to-work experiences of the breast cancer survivors were categorized into four themes: 'desire for hiding a changing appearance,' 'getting back to normal daily routine life through social support,' 'mixed reactions from people toward their return-to-work,' 'pressure caused by work and treatment.' The breast cancer survivors wanted to hide their changed appearance and had a hard time physically as they had to work and receive treatment at the same time. Besides, they found it is burdensome to take time to receive treatment, and were under financial pressure. They became stressed out when other colleagues ridiculed their return-to-work or were overly interested in it. They felt at ease when others treated them in the same comfortable manner as before.
Conclusions
In order to ensure the successful return-to-work of breast cancer survivors, they should receive education or counseling about how to take care of their changing appearance or cope with it. |
| Key Words:
Breast Cancer, Life Experiences, Work |
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