What role will human factors engineers and return to work professionals play in addressing the needs of cancer survivors in return to work? The National Cancer Institute estimates that there are 10.1 million cancer survivors in the United States. of these, 3.8 million are working age adults (ages 20 to 64) (2005). Due to early detection and treatment improvements, the length of survival has increased. Unfortunately, survivors may experience short term and long term side effects (physical, psychosocial and cognitive changes, and fatigue) from treatment that result in functional limitations that may affect their work productivity or their ability to return or continue in the work place. Although the majority of human factors engineering/ergonomics and return to work research has focused on occupational injuries and illnesses, the application of this information to employment issues encountered by cancer survivors may be extremely beneficial.
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