| Summary: | Purpose: Male cancer survivors represent an important at-risk
population for COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic requires a global response for
this most vulnerable population. This study purpose was to explore whether fear
of COVID-19 and fear of cancer recurrence are related to the likelihood of
remaining at work following treatment in male cancer survivors. Survivors and methods: A cross-sectional survey was used. Data were collected in China in
May to June 2020. The Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR)
Inventory-Short Form and work sustainability subscale of the Readiness for Return
to Work Scale were completed by male cancer survivors. Results: A total of 121 employed male cancer survivors participated in this study. Fear of
COVID-19 and fear of cancer recurrence were both negatively correlated with work
sustainability (β = -0.11, and β = -0.19, respectively).
Significant interaction effects between fear of COVID-19 and fear of cancer
recurrence were observed (β = 0.46, P < 0.01). Advanced
disease stage, undergoing radiation therapy and having recently completed cancer
treatment were all factors related to lower work sustainability scores (β
= -0.28, β = -0.15, and β = -0.17, respectively). The overall
path model yielded a good fit: χ2/df = 1.12 (P = 0.24),
RMSEA = 0.07, TLI = 0.98, CFI = 0.99, IFI = 0.92, and NFI = 0.96. Conclusion: Fear of COVID-19 is a mediator between fear of cancer
recurrence and work sustainability among Chinese male cancer survivors. The
findings also indicated that male cancer survivors with higher FCR levels
reported less confidence in their ability to remain at work. This information can
assist in the development of new interventions and educational programs for
cancer survivors, healthcare providers and employers, to improve employees’
ability to remain at work.
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