WORK PERFORMANCE LIMITATIONS POST ANASTROZOLE TREATMENT FOR WOMEN WITH BREAST CANCER

Due to early diagnosis and advancements in breast cancer treatments, an increasing number of women are living longer after treatment. Conversely, many women’s experiences of extended life involve enduring long-term effects of breast cancer treatments possibly including pain, fatigue, decreased energy, sensory, and motor function, lymphedema, cognitive impairments, osteoporosis, nausea, and sleeping difficulties (American Cancer Society, 2013; Brach et al., 2004; Jenkins, Shilling, Fallowfield, Howell, & Hutton, 2004; Pullens, De Vries, & Roukema, 2010). Aromatase inhibitors, including anastrozole, have proven efficacy for adjuvant therapy in postmenopausal women with breast cancer (Nabholtz, 2008; Rinaldi, 2013). Adjuvant therapy may have negative effects on cognitive functioning (Bender et. al., 2007; Nattinger et al., 2013). Cognitive, physical, and affective impairments contribute to the likelihood of increased work problems. Largely, the condition, treatments, and consequential effects may alter body functions/structures, activities, and community participation. In theory, anastrozole treatment may increase the likelihood of work problems.\ud Work after a cancer diagnosis is highly desirable for individuals on a person, social, and economic level, ultimately contributing to quality of life, dignity, self-esteem, and purpose (Steiner, Cavender, Main, & Bradley, 2004). Women with breast cancer commonly report work-related concerns including job loss, demotion, unwanted changes in tasks, problems with the employer/co-workers, personal changes in attitudes to work and diminished physical capacity (Brisson, Dubois, Fraser, Lauzier, & Maunsell, 1999). The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the anastrozole breast cancer treatment, as it relates to the individuals’ abilities to function at work. Through critical analysis of data from the Anastrozole Use In Menopausal Women (AIM) study, this study found that overall, the anastrozole group reported more work problems than the control group overtime. Pain emerged as a confounding variable that supports reason for further investigation of the effects and role of pain due to breast cancer and/or treatment, specifically as it pertains to work performance. Knowing that more individuals with breast cancer are surviving and are continuing to work or returning to work, additionally considering that treatment effects and residual symptoms are often present, this population likely would benefit from vocational rehabilitation support and services. \u