Experiences of healthcare professionals returning to work post breast cancer diagnosis in China: A descriptive qualitative study

Breast cancer survivors face employment challenges. How to promote BC's return to work is important for improving their quality of life and promoting recovery. Numerous studies have reported that BC survivors encounter employment challenges due to cognitive limitations, alongside factors. healthcare Professional has a good educational background and a good cognitive level and is also the closest combination of sociocultural tradition and healthcare systems, however, there is a lack of studies on their experience as BC survivors. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted to investigate the experiences of healthcare professionals returning to work following breast cancer diagnosis. 20 doctors and nurses were interviewed face-to-face with a semi-structured interview guide in three municipal hospitals. Four major themes and corresponding sub-themes were extracted from the collected data as follows: (1) Return to Work: Willingness and Conflicts; (2) Cancer Progression Anxiety; (3) Physical and Mental Re-Awareness, including (1) Decreased Physical Ability, (2) Frustration and Diminished Self-Esteem; 4. Reflection and Re-planning, including (1) Past Self-Questioning, (2) Active Life Re-planning, (3) Revitalizing Life's Value, and (4) Career Changes: Coping and Adapting. This study revealed a positive reintegration into the workforce among participants in China's healthcare professionals with a notably advanced medical understanding. It implies that, for BC survivors, a combination of rich medical knowledge, a stable work environment, substantial income, and robust support from colleagues and superiors play a positive role in enhancing their adaptability post a breast cancer diagnosis. Additionally, interviewees expressed guilt during sick leave, it was suggested that hospitals implement comprehensive support mechanisms related to leave, acknowledging the imperative need for adequate rest during the treatment period.