Title : Self-employed cancer survivors
Abstract:
Objective: Although awareness of the effect of cancer on self-employed individuals is growing, few studies have explored processes of coping in relation to the changes in cancer survivors’ business operations. We examined: (a) identify the perceived effects of cancer on business maintenance of self-employed cancer survivors and (b) examine the association between changes in business profitability and positive affect (PA( and negative affect (NA), mediated by coping strategies.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 98 cancer survivors aged 27–76 who received a cancer diagnosis 6–24 months prior to participation.
Results: Participants reported a substantial decrease in work ability and business functioning. Reduction in business profitability was associated with lower PA and higher NA. Disengaged coping mediated the association between reduced profitability and NA.
Conclusions: The present study illuminated the substantial changes self-employed cancer survivors experience in the operation and profitability of their businesses, thus being a source of stress that may negatively affect levels of PA and NA. In addition to emotional support that should be provided to cancer survivors in general, self-employed survivors should receive help from business consultants on strategies to deal effectively with challenges to their business operations.
