Work-related experiences and needs while undergoing curative cancer therapy: exploring the target population’s perspective during the developmental phase of a work-oriented intervention

Purpose: Cancer affects a great number of people during working life, and tailored interventions targeting this population are important. The present study, focused on the developmental phase of a work-oriented intervention, aimed to describe work-related experiences and needs among people undergoing curative cancer therapy. Methods: People (n = 22, age md 55 years, range 39–64, purposive sampling) undergoing adjuvant or neo-adjuvant chemo-/radiotherapy for breast (n = 12), prostate (n = 5), or colorectal (n = 5) cancer were individually interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide covering their ability to work and work-related facilitators, barriers, and needs. Qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach was applied. Results: When undergoing curative cancer treatment, striving for work–life balance and a normal life is challenging, but necessary for wellbeing, according to the participants. Five subthemes described their experiences and needs: “Cancer is not my identity, and working helps me experience a sense of self,” “I mostly have confidence in my future ability to work,” “I need to find a new balance between work, private life, and my changed health needs,” “Having flexible working conditions helps me work, and both strengthens and limits my wellbeing,” and “Having access to individual support, in which others and I participate, affects my ability to work.” Conclusion: While undergoing curative cancer therapy, striving for work–life balance and a normal life is challenging but necessary for wellbeing. Our study findings suggest that a work-oriented intervention tailored to individual needs, flexibility in working conditions, and cooperation between the employee and various stakeholders are warranted during the early stage of cancer therapy.