Longitudinal analysis of factors influencing return to work after breast cancer treatment among public employees in São Paulo
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29289/2594539420250058%20Palavras-chave:
breast cancer, return to work, quality of life, surgery, chemotherapyResumo
Introduction: Breast cancer (BC) is the most common disease among women worldwide. Improvements in screening and treatment have increased survival rates, making survivorship issues such as return to work (RTW) increasingly relevant. RTW is associated with better quality of life (QoL), psychological well-being, and social reintegration. However, factors influencing RTW among breast cancer survivors vary according to clinical, sociodemographic, and occupational conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the RTW rate among public employees in São Paulo, Brazil, diagnosed with non-metastatic BC and treated surgically. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted among female public employees diagnosed with non-metastatic BC who underwent surgical treatment between October 2021 and December 2022. Sociodemographic, clinical, and work-related variables were collected at baseline and during follow-up. QoL was assessed using validated questionnaires, and logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate associations between clinical, sociodemographic, and temporal factors influencing RTW. Results: The RTW rate was high, with most participants returning to work within six months. Age, tumor stage, chemotherapy, and education level were not significantly associated with RTW over time. However, improved QoL was correlated with successful RTW across several domains, including body image and functionality. Conclusions: RTW among public employees was primarily influenced by QoL rather than clinical or sociodemographic factors. The longitudinal design highlights the dynamic relationship between QoL improvements and RTW outcomes. Policymakers and healthcare providers should integrate QoL assessments into survivorship care plans and promote flexible work policies to improve occupational reintegration.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Marcelo Antonini, André Mattar, Arthur Gaia Duarte Peixoto, Mylena Scheneider Becale, Francisco Pimentel Cavalcante, Felipe Zerwes, Eduardo Camargo Millen, Fabrício Palermo Brenelli, Antônio Luiz Frasson, Odair Ferraro
Este trabalho está licenciado sob uma licença Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
