Improve return-to-work after cancer: evaluation of an awareness-raising program for companies

Nowadays, returning to work following a diagnosis of cancer is a main concern in France. Cancer survivors experience difficulties in returning to work. Furthermore, employers may encounter challenges, such as limited knowledge about cancer, feelings of uselessness and powerlessness in this situation, and uncertainty about how to provide support. However, few studies have focused on the origins of employers’ difficulties in this area. Past research in social psychology suggests that three factors may be responsible for these challenges: misconceptions regarding cancer, anxiety, and a lack of self-efficacy. This study aims to measure these difficulties and assess how an awareness-raising program can reduce them.

Volunteer employers registered for an awareness-raising program, delivered by the French League against cancer, on returning to work following a diagnosis of cancer, specifically designed to support them in this process. To assess the awareness-raising program, we employed both qualitative and quantitative methods. We used qualitative methods to highlight beliefs through social representations of cancer. Quantitative questionnaires assessed anxiety and self-efficacy when facing cancer survivors. We conducted these three measures before and after the awareness-raising program. Finally, we measured the program’s effectiveness six months later using inclusive behavioral indicators. Our results showed positive improvements in the three indicators of interest following the awareness-raising program. The social representation of cancer included more notions of support, help and listening. Employers reported feeling less anxious facing cancer survivors and had a higher sense of self-efficacy to support and handle these situations of returning to work. Additionally, the data revealed, six months later, a pattern of supportive behaviors during the return-to-work process, such as being more empathic and having a higher quality of contact with cancer survivors or involving them to co-construct their return to work. These findings highlight the positive impact of awareness-raising program that consider employers’ challenges when confronting with unfamiliar and demanding situations.