Socio-economic and occupational outcomes of long-term survivors of gynaecological cancer: A French population-based study.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To describe socio-economic and professional outcomes in long-term survivors of cervical, endometrial or ovarian cancer, including return to work and problems related to obtaining loans and insurance. METHODS: Women with cervical, endometrial or ovarian cancers diagnosed from 2006 to 2013 were selected through the French gynaecological cancer registry of Côte d'Or, in a cross-sectional survey. Using a questionnaire established with the help of sociologists and psychologists, social and cancer-related work issues were collected among women aged less than 60 years at the time of cancer diagnosis. The socio-economic status was also assessed, at the time of the survey using the EPICES questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 92 gynaecological cancer survivors (CS) participated in this survey. Gynaecological CS reported a decrease in income since cancer diagnosis, difficulties obtaining loans, and a decrease in ability to work, both in the short term after treatment and at the time of survey, on average 6 years after diagnosis. Fatigue, emotional and cognitive difficulties were the reasons cited to explain the decreased ability to work, both immediately after treatment and in the long term. CONCLUSIONS: Gynaecological CS experienced many problems, such as decreased work capacity, decreased income and difficulty obtaining loans.