Gesri

Research Abstract

This research is a narrative inquiry that explores the work reintegration journey of cancer survivors. These consist of five (5) Filipino cancer survivors who just returned to work aged 40 years old and above. Moreover, Cancer survivors face significant experiences reintegrating into the workforce. While many studies focus on the challenges they experience, this study aims to explore their journey on how cancer survivors reintegrate into work. The main objective of this study was to explore how participants navigate their transition back to work, how they balance their health needs and the demands of the job, and how the participants navigate their condition in the work environment as cancer survivors. Data were gathered from in-depth semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis by Braun and Clarke was used, where codes and themes were formed to analyze the data. Through the analysis, the researchers formed seven (7) themes, which are Adjusting to Work Conditions, Balancing Fitness and Health Concerns, Support Systems, Practicing Healthy Living and Wellness, Positive Mindset and Personal Growth, Ways and Coping (with an aggregate dimension of Factors that Motivate Cancer Survivors to Work Reintegration), and Facing Issues and Misconceptions (with an aggregate dimension of Challenges of Cancer Survivors to Work Reintegration). This study revealed some gaps that future researchers could focus on. One of these is to consider investigating specific cancer types and to compare work reintegration journey experiences across different genders, groups, or cultures. These recommendations aim to enhance cancer survivors' quality of life and employment outcomes, ultimately contributing to their successful work reintegration.