Cohort study of return to work up to 5 years after the end of treatment among patients with head and neck cancer in The Netherlands

Adverse effects of cancer and its treatment may hamper return to work (RTW) among patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). A multicenter prospective study in The Netherlands included 184 employed patients with HNC who were younger than 65 years at diagnosis. RTW increased from 3% at three months after treatment to 65% at one year after treatment, after which it reduced to 52% five years after treatment. Younger patients, those treated using minor surgery, and those with fewer symptoms of fatigue were more likely to RTW sooner.