Socioeconomic position and employment status in patients with lung cancer – a register-based study

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Abstract
Background and purpose: Lung cancer patients have an increased risk of adverse employment outcomes. However, limited research exists on the association between socioeconomic position (SEP) and employment status in this cancer group. This study explored the influence of SEP on employment status after a lung cancer diagnosis. Patient/material and methods: This population-based cohort study included all working-age Danish residents diagnosed with lung cancer between 2000 and 2015. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between socioeconomic variables (education, income, sick leave, and work status before diagnosis), and working and disability pension 3 years after diagnosis. Results: A total of 1,946 lung cancer patients were included. High income and long education were associated with higher odds of working, odds ratio (OR) = 2.31 (1.65–3.24) and OR = 1.92 (1.15–3.21), respectively, and lower odds of disability pension, OR = 0.19 (0.11–0.33) and OR = 0.30 (0.13–0.70), respectively. Moreover, sick leave and being out of work before diagnosis were associated with lower odds of working, OR = 0.25 (0.13–0.46) and OR = 0.32 (0.24–0.43), respectively, and higher odds of disability pension, OR = 3.73 (2.14–6.50) and OR = 2.88 (2.14–3.87), respectively. Interpretation: Lung cancer patients with low SEP are less likely to be employed and more likely to receive disability benefits. Therefore, rehabilitation to support socioeconomically disadvantaged lung cancer patients is needed.

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