For immediate release
October 10th, 2017 

NEW STUDY FINDS MORE SUPPORT IS NEEDED IN EUROPE FOR BREAST CANCER PATIENTS AND SURVIVORS WHO WISH TO RETURN TO WORK

       ●   Europe lacks effective policies to support return to work by breast cancer survivors
       ●   More women are surviving breast cancer, but return to work rates vary considerably
       ●   Employers’ actions and attitudes are central to successful return to work by survivors

Although the incidence of breast cancer is rising in Europe, more women are surviving the disease, according to a new study by The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) released today. The report, entitled “The road to a better normal: Breast cancer patients and survivors in the EU workforce” and sponsored by Pfizer, considers policies and practices that could help patients and survivors who wish to return to work.

While many women who have been struck by the disease wish to continue working, there is substantial variation in national return-to-work rates across European Union countries. National return to work rates for breast cancer patients and survivors who were in a job at the time of diagnosis range from 43% in the Netherlands to 82% in France.

Return to work rates depend on a wide range of interacting factors, including the impact of the disease itself, the impact of treatment and its side effects, the nature of work, the nature of the workplace, and socio-demographic situation. The main non-medical barriers are lack of employer or colleague support, the extent to which work is physically demanding, and the level of education of the women involved. The large variation in return to work rates suggests substantial room for improvement in policies and practices to support those who wish to return to work.

The study, which is based on an extensive literature search and interviews with 10 experts in the subject, concludes that changes are needed in the practices of clinicians and employers, and in the policy approaches of governments.

“While data on the likely impact of specific interventions are sparse, this study finds that simply engaging with the return-to-work issue is an important first step to ensure that breast cancer survivors receive the support they need,” said Aviva Freudmann, Research Director – EMEA Thought Leadership for the Economist Intelligence Unit, who directed the study.

Press enquiries:

Ross Jenkinson, Global Head of Marketing – Thought Leadership
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Aviva Freudmann, Research Director – EMEA Thought Leadership
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E: [email protected]

Notes to editors

About The Economist Intelligence Unit
We deliver vital business intelligence to executives the world over. With access to over 650 expert analysts and editors across 200 countries worldwide, underpinned by an unrivalled in-house survey panel that bolsters the qualitative and quantitative analysis, we uncover novel and forward-looking perspectives. We apply the same rigor of our editorial heritage to design content that goes beyond the expected. And our reputation for authority and independence ensures access to elite contributors in every market in the world, providing truly distinctive viewpoints. More information can be found at https://www.eiuperspectives.economist.com or https://twitter.com/EIUperspectives.

About Pfizer
Pfizer, one of the world’s largest pharmaceuticals companies, discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription human and veterinary medicines, and consumer healthcare products. Headquartered in New York City, the company develops and produces medicines and vaccines for a wide range of medical disciplines, including immunology, oncology, cardiology, diabetology/endocrinology, and neurology.