UNEMPLOYMENT RISK AND INCOME CHANGE FOLLOWING A BRAIN TUMOR DIAGNOSIS: A POPULATION-BASED STUDY OF LONG-TERM SURVIVORS

Background There is paucity of data regarding unemployment and income change following a brain tumor diagnosis among adults despite various potential deficits in numerous cognitive domains. We aimed to examine the risks for unemployment and decreased income at 2 and 4 years after brain tumor diagnosis. Methods Baseline measurements for this study were obtained from the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics 1995 National Census, which was followed-up until 2011 (a median follow up of 7.4 years), and cancer incidence from the Israel Cancer Registry. Patients who died before the end of 2011 were excluded from the study. Only patients between the ages of 15-60 years, at the time of interview (1995) were included (n=377). The matched group includes a 3:1 ratio based on age, sex, and ethnicity (n=1001). Results An increased risk for unemployment was found in brain tumor survivors at 2 and 4 years after the diagnosis (P <.001 and P <.001, respectively). This association was found in all brain tumor subtypes, including meningioma survivors (n=249) at 2 and 4 years after diagnosis (P =.009 and P =.004, respectively). Furthermore, brain tumor patients were also associated with a decrease in income at 2 and 4 years after diagnosis (P <.001 and P <.001, respectively). Conclusion(s) Long-term brain tumor survivors are at increased risk for unemployment and decrease income. This study highlights the need for more effective strategies to enhance re-employment and establish focused rehabilitation programs.