The Workplace Reintegration of Female Cancer Survivors: Insights from Women’s Experiences / Reintegracija žena koje su preživjele rak u radno okruženje: uvidi iz ženskih iskustava

Abstract

This pilot study explores the experiences of women cancer survivors from Sarajevo Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina as they return to work after medical treatments. While international research has examined this issue extensively, highlighting the importance of support programs affecting successful workplace reintegration, research data on this topic in the B&H context remains limited. In this study, the empirical data were collected through semi-structured interviews, revealing that after returning to workplace women face major challenges related to psychosocial well-being, working relationships with employers, and legal aspects of workplace adjustments. Our sample consists of women aged 30–75 who have received treatment for breast or reproductive cancers. The results contribute to the understanding of the key barriers to workplace reintegration including limited access to information, insufficient systematic support, ambiguous reintegration protocols, and inconsistent interpretations of legal frameworks. Our findings point to the urgent need for tailored policies that promote sustainable, rights-based support for women re-entering the workforce after cancer diagnosis and therapy.