Abstract P3-08-03: Establishing Japanese model “working ring” - Informational, emotional and problem-solving group intervention for working breast cancer survivors
Authors: Yamauchi H , Hashimoto K , Iwata T , Hiramatsu R , Fukuda T , Hosaka T 
Published: August 2014

Background: Due to advancement of cancer treatment, the number of cancer survivors is increasing and our society also needs to consider cancer survivorship. Especially the prevalence of breast cancer by age is much younger in Japan than in western countries. About half of them were diagnosed in 30-50’s, and they are considered strong working force in society.

Cancer and its treatment largely affect their working status, therefore support system for workers with cancer is urgently required.

Methods: We established support systems by 3 phases. We assessed the effect of breast cancer and informational needs in Japanese young breast cancer survivors for working with cancer (Phase 1). We also estimated economic impact due to such work force loss from cancer (Phase 2). Furthermore, we designed intervention model “Working Ring” by health care providers for cancer survivors to facilitate returning to work or keeping their job, and evaluated its effect (Phase3).

Results: Among 42 young (less than 35 years old) breast cancer survivors who worked at the time of diagnosis, 33% of them had to changed their role at work after diagnosis of breast cancer. Focused interview revealed they needed informational and emotional support system. According to the Japanese Health Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare database, we estimated total economic loss due to cancer treatment, $1569 million for women and $2959 million for men. Breast cancer is estimated as a number one cause of economic loss among cancer survivors in Japan. Finally, we introduced group intervention for working survivors provided by health care professionals (psycho-oncologist, nurse, and medical social worker) and labor and social security attorney. In this “Working Ring”, patients were given information about working status, practical issues provided by their companies and our society in order to maintain their work. We enrolled total 22 working breast cancer survivors divided in 3 groups; each group was given by 3 sessions of one-hour group intervention. All attendees of the group intervention showed increase in knowledge and problem solving technique concerning working, and QOL improvement by using POMS.

Discussion: We noted that there are many unmet needs for working breast cancer survivors and loss of their job causes enormous impact for social economy. Surprisingly, breast cancer is estimated number one cause of economic loss from cancer diagnosis in Japan. It is urgently required to establish support systems for working cancer survivors. Our group interventional model “Working Ring” was very successful to improve their anxiety and informational needs. We are currently extending this model through entire Japan.

Conclusions: Most of cancer survivors are considered to be potential working force. To establish a support system for them to maintain working ability and environment is necessary for societal reintegration.

(This work is supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Cancer research from the Japanese Health Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, H24-Ganrinsho-ippan-011).

Citation Information: Cancer Res 2013;73(24 Suppl): Abstract nr P3-08-03.