LA REINCORPORACIÓN LABORAL DE MUJERES CON CÁNCER DE MAMA: UN ESTUDIO DESCRIPTIVO

Abstract

Cancer is a growing global health problem. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC, 2024), it is estimated that there will be more than 35 million new diagnoses by 2050, 77% more than in 2022. In Spain, 296,103 cases of cancer are expected to be diagnosed by 2025 (SEOM, 2025; REDECAN, 2025), with breast cancer being the most common tumor in women. Furthermore, the increase in cases among women of working age has highlighted the need to address their professional reintegration, a key challenge for public health (Dumas et al., 2020; SESPM, 2025). In this sense, early detection and medical advances have reduced the functional impact of treatment, favoring the return to work. However, breast cancer is the leading cause of long-term sick leave, often reaching 12 months, due to the need for physical and psychological recovery, as well as anatomical reconstruction processes. This study follows 110 breast cancer survivors in their return to work process, analyzing their experiences, difficulties, and factors that facilitate their return to work. The objective is to generate knowledge that will improve support strategies, promoting labor and health policies that favor effective reintegration.