Cancer Res Treat.  2016 Apr;48(2):815-824. 10.4143/crt.2015.094.

Negative Public Attitudes Towards Cancer Survivors Returning to Work: A Nationwide Survey in Korea

• Shim HY
• Shin JY
• Kim JH
• Kim SY
• Yang HK
• Park JH

• KMID: 2454360
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4143/crt.2015.094

Abstract

PURPOSE
Early diagnosis and an improved survival rate have emerged as important issues for cancer survivors returning to work during the prime of their working life. This study investigated the attitudes of the general public towards cancer survivors returning to work in Korea and attempted to identify the factors influencing this negative attitude.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A general public perception survey regarding cancer survivors returning to work, targeting 2,000 individuals between 40-70 years of age, was conducted as face-to-face home visit.
RESULTS
The public expressed a negative attitude towards cancer survivors returning to work, in terms of both perception and acceptance. Negative perception was higher among those in metropolitan areas compared with urban/rural areas (odds ratio [OR], 1.71), with monthly incomes < $2,000 compared with > $4,000 (OR, 1.54), and with patient care experience compared with those without (OR, 1.41). Negative acceptance was higher among those with monthly incomes < $2,000 compared with > $4,000 (OR, 1.71) and those with patient care experience compared with those without (OR, 1.54). The common factors between acceptance and perception that influenced negative attitude included area of residence, patient care experience, and monthly income.
CONCLUSION
This study identified negative attitudes towards cancer survivors returning to work in South Korea and the factors influencing the reintegration of cancer survivors into society. It is necessary to promote community awareness and intervention activities to enable access to community, social, and individual units for the social reintegration of cancer survivors.

Keyword

Attitude; Return to work; Survivors; Social stigma

MeSH Terms

Early Diagnosis
House Calls
Humans
Korea*
Patient Care
Return to Work
Social Stigma
Survival Rate
Survivors*

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Flow chart of study population.

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  Fig. 2. Negative public attitudes towards cancer survivors returning to work.

Reference

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