Multiple myeloma in people of working age in Czechia, Germany, and Poland: findings from a qualitative interview study

Abstract

Purpose The study sought to understand the experiences of working age adults with myeloma and their partner/family members, living in Czechia, Germany, and Poland. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with 36 working age adults living with myeloma, and three family members. Data were collected from May to October 2022. Thematic analysis was applied to the data. Results Healthcare and state support within each country are described. The degree of work engagement was informed by patients’ symptom burden, treatment needs, state financial aid, and family/financial obligations. Many did not conceptualise their status as involving ‘return to work’ as they had continued to be engaged with their jobs throughout. For some, remote working enabled them to manage treatments/side-effects and their job, while avoiding infection. In some cases, patients did not tell their employer or colleagues about their illness, for fear of discrimination. Conclusion While experiences varied between countries, common across accounts was a struggle to balance ongoing treatments with employment, at a time when participants were expected to finance their own households and maintain their income and roles. Implications for Cancer Survivors To improve quality of life, clinical discussions around treatment decision-making should take into account patients’ attitudes/approach to work, type of work engaged in, and other activities considered important to them. European Union and national cancer plans should set out optimum standards for employers, to ensure an equitable benchmark for how employees are supported. Such approaches would improve legal protections and better enforcement of employer policies to accommodate patients’ limitations in the workplace.