Innovative Program Supports Cancer Survivors in Reintegrating into the Workforce

A pioneering pilot initiative led by researchers from McGill University is demonstrating promising results in aiding cancer survivors to confidently return to their jobs, addressing a significant but often overlooked aspect of recovery. The program, known as iCanWork, is an online support system developed by Associate Professor Christine Maheu from McGill's Ingram School of Nursing, in partnership with BC Cancer.

Maheu emphasizes that employment is not traditionally considered a key health indicator within cancer care frameworks, despite it being a primary concern for many patients from the point of diagnosis. Maintaining employment is associated with higher quality of life for survivors. That said, lingering side effects of cancer treatments such as fatigue, cognitive issues like 'chemo brain', and anxiety can hinder focus, organization, and stress management, making the return to work seem daunting.

Early results from a randomized trial involving 24 cancer survivors highlight the program's potential. The study, published in the journal Current Oncology, involved a 10-step virtual program where survivors worked with counselors and therapists to overcome re-entry barriers. The results were encouraging: half of the participants resumed full-time employment within three months, compared to just over one-third of those in the control group. Participants also reported improved effectiveness at work, increased social connection, and reduced pain interference in daily activities. Some participants expressed that without the program, they might have quit their jobs or even considered early retirement, which they now have deferred.

This initiative aims to fill a critical gap in Canadian cancer care, as only 4% of employers have policies tailored to cancer-related return-to-work processes—policies that are more common in some European nations. The economic implications are significant; cancer survivors often face over $2,500 in monthly lost wages and out-of-pocket expenses, while employers bear costs of up to $24,000 to replace an employee on medical leave. Proper support mechanisms like iCanWork could benefit both employees and employers, improving recovery and reducing financial strain.

The research team is now preparing a larger-scale trial and looking to expand the program across Canada. Though the structured program is still in development, survivors can access resources through the Cancer and Work website, launched in 2016 and awarded the 2020 CIHR Inclusive Research Excellence Prize for its accessible design.

For more details, the study is available via DOI: 10.3390/curroncol32050266. This effort aligns with broader mental health and wellness strategies, recognizing the importance of holistic recovery for cancer survivors.