• Vahid Zamanzadeh, Leila Valizadeh, Azad Rahmani, Mohammad Zirak, and Huget Desiron.
• Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
• Psychooncology. 2018 Oct 1; 27 (10): 2398-2404.

ObjectiveThe study aimed to explore Iranian cancer survivors' experiences of returning to work.MethodsSemistructured interviews were conducted with 20 cancer survivors at their workplace and in a referral cancer center. Data were analyzed using a conventional content analysis technique.ResultsThree main categories were identified as important in cancer survivors' experiences of returning to work: (1) individual perspectives, (2) nature of disease, and (3) access to support system. Results showed that returning to work contained different meaning for men and women. Also, it was found that cancer survivors had limited information about the disease and return to work that made them doubtful about returning to work.ConclusionCancer survivors have different individual perspectives that affect their decision about returning to work. Their perspectives should be assessed before returning to work, and necessary support should be provided for them in returning to work process. In this regard, health care systems and rehabilitation specialists should inform cancer survivors about the disease and return to work. Also, employers should prepare work places for cancer survivors' entrance.© 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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