ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The study aims to describe work status at diagnosis and 8 years post-diagnosis in a nationwide sample of breast cancer survivors (BCSs), and investigate associated and self-reported factors of reduced work status. METHODS: Women aged 20-65 years when diagnosed with stage I-III breast cancer (BC) in 2011 or 2012 were invited to participate in a questionnaire study in 2019 (n = 2803), of whom 49% (n = 1361) responded. For this sub-study, we included 974 BCSs below the legal retirement age in Norway (< 67 years) at survey and with complete work status data. Reduced work status was defined as being in paid work at BC diagnosis and not working at time of survey. Logistic regression analyses were applied to identify factors associated with reduced work status. RESULTS: Of BCSs who were in paid work at diagnosis (n = 845), 63% maintained their work status to 8 years later. Reduced work status was associated with not living with children (OR .44, 95% CI .24-.82), age (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.11-1.21), chemotherapy (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.24-6.61), > 2 comorbid conditions (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.16-4.32), cognitive function (OR .99, 95% CI .98-.99), fatigue (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01-1.03), and neuroticism (OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.00-2.46). BC and late effects were reported as reasons for reduced work status and disability. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of BCSs who were in paid work at diagnosis were working 8 years later. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Our results suggest a need to focus on fatigue and reduced cognitive function among long-term BCSs, with the ultimate aim of improving work sustainability.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The present study aimed to determine the level of physical activity (PA) among prostate cancer (PCa) patients across treatment modalities and explore the association between PA and treatment-induced adverse effects (AEs). METHODS: The present study was based on a cross-sectional postal survey among members of the Norwegian Prostate Cancer Association. Patients were eligible for the present study if they had either (1) completed radical prostatectomy, (2) completed radiotherapy and (neo)-adjuvant androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), or (3) were undergoing lifelong ADT. Adverse effects were measured by the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice. RESULTS: In total, 696 patients were included. There was no statistically significant difference in level of PA across treatment modalities. Bowel symptoms mainly related to radiotherapy decreased the odds of exercising ≥ 2 times per week, along with age ≥ 70 years, participation in the workforce, and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. Among patients who were undergoing ADT, 5 years or more since diagnosis reduced the odds of exercising ≥ 2 times per week by almost 60%. CONCLUSION: The level of PA did not differ across PCa patients treated with different modalities. Increasing bowel symptoms reduced the likelihood of exercising ≥ 2 times per week. PCa patients should be educated about possible treatment-induced AEs affecting PA level, enabling them to counteract the development of physical inactivity.
