Experiences of returning to work after brain tumor treatment

BACKGROUND: Work participation has a profound influence on the individual's overall health and well-being. Cancer survivors are at risk of unemployment, and the people with the highest risk are diagnosed with cancer in the central nervous system. Many diagnosed with this cancer survive and try to return to a normal life including work participation. Experiences related to returning to work after brain tumor treatment seem to be an unexplored phenomenon. OBJECTIVE: The current study focuses on the gap in the scientific literature concerning the individual experience after undergoing treatment for brain cancer and the return to work (RTW) process. METHODS: Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with four informants, and a thematic content analysis of the transcribed data was used. RESULTS: The results show RTW among our informants as a process consists of three main themes: easier said than done, from mastering to the feeling of inadequacy, and the environment's impact. The categories various components may be relevant. CONCLUSION: In a health promotion perspective, several resources such as aspects of motivation, self-awareness, and opportunities for facilitation and empowerment need to be available in the process of RTW for individuals who have undergone treatment for brain cancer.