Work

Gender differences in employment disruption and return to work among cancer survivors in South Korea

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: PURPOSE: This study analyzes gender differences in unemployment and return-to-work experiences among all patients with cancer in a nationwide cohort. METHODS: Using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), we analyzed 20,835 employed individuals (aged 15-59) newly diagnosed with cancer in 2010. These individuals were followed annually for 6 years (2010-2016) to assess unemployment after diagnosis. Of the total, 5,524 patients experienced unemployment during the follow-up period. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate unemployment risk and its association with gender. RESULTS: The hazard ratio (HR) for unemployment following cancer diagnosis is 1.98 (95% CI, 1.85 to 2.11), indicating that women have a higher rate of job loss compared to men. Additionally, women were approximately 26% less likely to return to work after losing their jobs, highlighting significant gender disparities in employment outcomes among cancer survivors. CONCLUSION: Employment is important for cancer survivors, but women are more vulnerable to job loss after a cancer diagnosis and less likely to return to work after losing their jobs, particularly those in lower-income groups.

Source: Supportive Care in Cancer

DOI: 10.1007/s00520-025-10033-7

Authors: Yoonjoo Choi, Ji Won Han, Weon-Young Lee

Institutions: National Cancer Center, Chung-Ang University

Language: English

Topic: Cancer survivorship and care

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Gender equality

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,690