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Physical exercise and return to work: cancer survivors’ experiences

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Abstract

Purpose

In this qualitative study, we aimed to explore cancer survivors’ experiences with (1) return to work (RtW) and work performance, (2) a physical exercise program after treatment, and (3) the perceived link between physical exercise and work.

Methods

Semi-structured individual interviews were held with ten cancer survivors of working age who had been treated with chemotherapy and had afterwards completed a group-based supervised physical exercise program. The interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. MaxQDA was used for coding and analysis. A second assessor was involved in coding two of the interviews.

Results

Eight participants returned to work. Most said that they had suffered cognitive deficits that impaired their work performance. According to half of the participants, the support in RtW from their occupational physician had been insufficient. Overall, the majority of participants enjoyed the exercise program. The main perceived effects were “improved fitness” and “renewed energy.” Most participants thought that physical exercise had likely contributed to their ability to return to work, primarily by increasing energy levels. Some believed that physical exercise had enhanced their work performance by improving their ability to cope with demanding work. Some respondents found that a supportive work environment stimulated their continuation of physical exercise.

Conclusions

Cancer survivors experienced a positive influence of physical exercise on RtW and work performance and a positive influence of RtW on physical exercise. By stimulating and facilitating physical exercise during and after RtW, the time to lasting RtW may be shortened, work performance may be optimized, and sustained participation in physical exercise may be achieved.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Stimulating and facilitating physical exercise before and during the process of RtW may enhance fitness and energy levels and may lower fatigue and cognitive symptoms during work. An integrated rehabilitation strategy combining physical exercise and adequate support in RtW may shorten the time to lasting RtW, improve work performance, and lead to sustained participation in physical exercise. Ultimately, this strategy may improve cancer survivors’ quality of life.

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful to the Alpe d’Huzes Foundation/Dutch Cancer Society for funding this study. This study is part of the A-CaRe 2 Move program: www.a-care.org. The authors thank the A-CaRe 2 Move research collaborators. We would also like to thank all participants for their willingness to share their experiences and the staff of the sports medicine department of the Medical Center Haaglanden for their role in recruiting participants. We acknowledge Sietske Tamminga, PhD, for coding two interviews as a second assessor.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Coronel Institute of Occupational Health, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

    Iris F. Groeneveld, Angela G. E. M. de Boer & Monique H. W. Frings-Dresen

Authors
  1. Iris F. Groeneveld
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  2. Angela G. E. M. de Boer
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  3. Monique H. W. Frings-Dresen
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Correspondence to Iris F. Groeneveld.

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Groeneveld, I.F., de Boer, A.G.E.M. & Frings-Dresen, M.H.W. Physical exercise and return to work: cancer survivors’ experiences. J Cancer Surviv 7, 237–246 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-012-0264-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-012-0264-4

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