The purpose of this study is to explore the experience of cancer survivors less than 50 years of age, as they transition back to work after the end of treatment. Eight survivors took part in this exploratory qualitative study. The results of the iterative content analysis suggest that these survivors want to put their illness-focused life behind them and resume a "normal" existence, of which a return to work is an integral part. The return-to-work transition is also influenced by various personal, family and societal factors that can facilitate or inhibit the experience. Lastly, a number of distinct challenges and a higher level of vulnerability must be taken into consideration by healthcare professionals to be able to better support these survivors transitioning back to work.
Keywords: breast cancer; cancer survivorship; qualitative study; return to work; transition; under 50 years of age; woman.
© 2021 Canadian Association of Nurses in Oncology (CANO).