Cancer Recurrence Fear Impacts Breast Cancer Survivors Returning to Work

Cancer recurrence fear appreciably impacts breast cancer survivors’ ability to re-enter the workforce, according to a study published in the Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare.

In this analysis, researchers sought to assess the link between breast cancer survivors’ return to work, health literacy, and fear of cancer recurrence. They surveyed 190 breast cancer survivors using a general questionnaire, the Concern About Recurrence Scale, and the Health Literacy Management Scale.

Health Literacy is Crucial

The findings of this study showed that only 54% of participants successfully returned to work. The investigators noted that health literacy strongly correlated with a return to work. Conversely, fear of disease recurrence was negatively correlated with returning to work (r=-0.268, P<0.001).

“The findings highlight a concerning situation for breast cancer survivors regarding their return to work. Cancer recurrence fear significantly impacts their ability to re-enter the workforce, both directly and indirectly through health literacy,” the researchers concluded. They recommended that “healthcare providers focus on alleviating anxiety related to cancer recurrence and enhancing health literacy to support survivors in their reintegration into society.”

Source

Zhu X, Lei J, Chen R, et al. Cancer recurrence fear and return to work in breast cancer survivors: the Mediating Effects of Health Literacy. J Multidiscip Healthc. 2025;18:1031-1041. Published 2025 Feb 21. doi:10.2147/JMDH.S498387