What is known?
A cancer diagnosis can have a significant impact on daily life, especially for those living outside of major cities who must travel to receive cancer treatment.
This study investigated the impact of cancer and travelling for treatment on the employment of rural cancer patients and their caregivers (i.e. family and close friends).
What is new?
In our study of 811 rural cancer patients and 211 rural caregivers, 308 patients and 102 caregivers were in paid employment pre-diagnosis.
Of the rural cancer patients in paid employment pre-diagnosis, 70% reported a change in employment post-diagnosis. Almost two-thirds (62%) of these people were no longer working after their diagnosis. Among those who were still employed after their diagnosis, many needed extended leave, flexible working arrangements, and a gradual return to work, particularly for those experiencing ongoing side-effects from their treatment.
For rural caregivers in paid employment prior to the patient’s diagnosis, 56% reported a change in employment after their loved one’s diagnosis. Over one-third (37%) of these caregivers were no longer working after the patient’s diagnosis. Many caregivers were unable to work while staying in a major city for the patient’s treatment. Those with flexible or remote work arrangements and those supporting a patient that did not require a high level of care experienced less disruption to their employment. Caregivers commonly reported financial stress from loss of income and limited support with returning to work.
What does this mean?
Disruptions to employment after a cancer diagnosis were common for people living in a rural area who had to travel to receive cancer treatment.
Employers, healthcare professionals, community organisations, and policymakers can contribute to minimising the impact of travelling for treatment on employment for rural cancer patients and their families.
Contact: Lizzy Johnston
Reference: Johnston EA, Craig N, Stiller A, Zajdlewicz L, Aitken JF, Ireland MJ, Dunn J, Chambers SK, Goodwin BC. The impact on employment for rural cancer patients and their caregivers travelling to major cities for treatment. Health and Social Care in the Community. 2023. Doi: 10.1155/2023/6728504