An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the meaning of work to women living with breast cancer

Eatough, Virginia and Maclennan, S. and Cox, Tom (2022) An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the meaning of work to women living with breast cancer. Chronic Illness 18 (3), pp. 503-516. ISSN 1742-3953.

Abstract

Work is an important aspect of everyday life. This remains true for those living with and beyond cancer. Less is known about how the meaning of work may change over the cancer journey, the needs of the individual in response to changes and how healthcare professionals and employing organisations can meet these needs. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of professional working women within the UK. This article presents an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of the experiences of 15 professional women diagnosed with breast cancer. We discuss these women's journey from 1) rethinking the meaning of work to 2) making decisions about work ability and advice on work to 3) transitioning back in to the workplace and the value of continued engagement with employer. The findings from the study demonstrate the complex interplay between living with cancer, treatment decisions and work. This study highlights two key areas for inclusion in practice: 1)support from health care professionals and judgments of functional ability and work ability and 2) the roile of line managers in managing cancer and work.

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