BReast cAncer surVivors and Employment (BRAVE): Facilitators and barriers in returning to or staying at work in Ireland

Naomi Algeo, an Irish Research Council funded PhD Candidate under the Discipline of Occupational Therapy at Trinity College Dublin, is currently undertaking a research study exploring challenges that breast cancer survivors face when returning to or staying at work post-cancer diagnosis. To do this, researchers would like to speak with breast cancer survivors, and healthcare professionals who work directly with this cohort.

Return to work is important in maintaining social relationships and psychological well-being however 84% of breast cancer survivors in Ireland cease working following diagnosis and can take varying times to return to work, if at all (Sharp et al, 2014). Contributing factors include physical limitations, pain, fatigue and impaired cognition (Ahles et al, 2002). There is currently a lack of research exploring challenges experienced by women returning to work in Ireland following breast cancer diagnosis, or support systems to address these challenges.

The aim of this study is to increase understanding of the challenges experienced by breast cancer survivors in returning to or staying at work in Ireland post cancer diagnosis. To do this, we would like to speak with breast cancer survivors, and healthcare professionals who work directly with this cohort.

Are you:

• A healthcare professional with experience working alongside breast cancer survivors?
• Have experience in supporting this cohort in employment? (E.g. discussing return to work, listening to concerns around employment, or providing advice, recommendations, support)
• Willing to take part in a once-off interview (face-to-face or telephone) lasting no more than 75 minutes?

If you would like to express interest in this study, please contact Naomi Algeo (PhD Candidate, Trinity College Dublin) at nalgeo@tcd.ie