# Redefining ‘normal’: A Canadian case study of cancer survivors’ experiences remaining and/or returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic

## TL;DR

This study explores how Canadian cancer survivors experienced returning to work during the pandemic, highlighting challenges and the need for better support systems.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the intersection of cancer survivorship, employment, and pandemic-related systemic challenges in Canada.

## Key findings

- Participants faced healthcare barriers like delayed treatments and limited fertility options due to pandemic restrictions.
- Workplace accommodations varied, with some survivors feeling supported and others encountering inflexibility.
- The pandemic worsened systemic gaps, emphasizing the need for improved healthcare and employer support for cancer survivors.

## Abstract

As cancer survival rates increase in Canada, a growing number of working-age individuals face challenges returning to work after treatment. This study examines the experiences of Canadian cancer survivors who remained in or returned to the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were cancer survivors aged 25−62 who had been employed prior to their diagnosis. They completed a brief online survey about their return-to-work (RTW) experiences and were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. Seven participants took part in the interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed through inductive thematic analysis. Four overarching themes emerged: (1) The Perfect Storm of Systemic Challenges, highlighting healthcare barriers exacerbated by the pandemic; (2) You Are Not Alone, emphasizing the importance of social support in mitigating isolation; (3) One Size Does Not Fit All – Individual Journeys, reflecting the need for flexible workplace accommodations and patient self-advocacy; and (4) Creating a “New Normal,” illustrating how survivors reassessed priorities, work identities, and personal well-being. Participants described delayed treatments, lack of fertility options, and limited support during appointments due to pandemic restrictions. Workplace accommodations varied, with some survivors feeling supported while others faced inflexibility. Findings emphasized the need for improved healthcare responsiveness, personalized RTW accommodations, and improved employer training to support cancer survivors. The study also reveals how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing systemic gaps, underscoring the importance of preparing healthcare and employment systems to better support vulnerable populations during times of crisis.