Abstract
Purpose: In this study, we aimed to review the current knowledge about employment outcomes, employment-related factors, and support for childhood, adolescent, and young adult (AYA) cancer survivors. Methods: A literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and CINAHL databases. Results: Thirty-one studies were identified, including 27 quantitative and 4 qualitative studies. The negative employment outcomes observed in the quantitative studies included low rates of employment, no employment experience, more days absent from work, low incomes, limitations in the amount or kind of work, low rates of having a professional occupation, starting their first occupation at an older age, and being unable to work. Factors related to these outcomes included demographics, physical and psychological effects of treatment, specific cancer type and treatment, and social factors. Negative employment outcomes observed in the qualitative studies included difficulty obtaining desired jobs, inability to find jobs with health insurance, difficulty changing jobs or returning to work, deciding whether to continue working, managing potential consequences of disclosure, and limitations in ability to work. Factors related to negative outcomes included not having enough stamina to work, financial and insurance needs, and insufficient support from others. There were no quantitative or qualitative studies evaluating the effectiveness of a work-related support program. Discussion: Childhood and AYA cancer survivors face diverse work-related difficulties. Future investigations should use research methodologies with lower bias. Additionally, future research should address the effectiveness of support programs, assess differences in the needs of survivors according to age at onset, and verify qualitative findings using quantitative methodologies.
