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Table 3 Summary of results from the literature: risk factors, relevance of studies and main results

From: Barriers and opportunities for return-to-work of cancer survivors: time for action—rapid review and expert consultation

Factors

n studies

n studies with significant results

Relevance

Results

High (low risk of bias)

Moderate (unclear risk of bias)

Low (high risk of bias)

Socio-demographic

      

 Age

19

12

4

4

4

Women aged ≥50 and men aged ≥55 are more at risk.

 Education or income

15

9

3

3

3

Low educational and income levels predict prolonged time to RTW.

Disease and treatment-related

      

 Cancer site

13

11

3

4

4

Head and neck, lung and breast cancers and leukaemia impede RTW.

 Stage

7

6

1

3

2

Advanced cancer stages substantially lengthen sickness leave.

 Treatment

21

18

1

9

8

Chemotherapy and combination of therapies are negatively associated with RTW.

 Symptoms

11

11

0

6

5

Fatigue, pain and depression are the main impeding symptoms.

Work-related

      

 Type, sector and job demands

13

12

4

4

4

Lower occupational class, private sector and demanding jobs impede the (time to) RTW.

 Employers’ and colleagues’ support

7

7

0

0

7

Support of colleagues and employers predict quicker and easier RTW.

Personal and subjective

      

 Value of work

7

7

1

1

5

The (re)evaluation of the importance of paid work substantially affects the choice to RTW.

Total

43

 

10

19

14