Observational studies have identified several health-related and sociodemographic factors that are associated with cancer survivors' return to work. The most important factors are cancer site, stage and prognosis, while others include type of treatment, symptoms related to the disease and its treatment, and the presence of co-morbidities, as well as age and education.1 2

The effects of work-related factors are a less investigated area. Physically demanding work has been identified as an important factor decreasing the likelihood of return to work after cancer. There is also increasing evidence indicating that employers' support, healthcare workers' advice on return to work issues and employers' willingness to accommodate for cancer illness and treatment are beneficial for survivors' return to work.3–7

Few intervention studies have specifically assessed the effects of various measures on return to work in cancer survivors and no high quality controlled trials have been reported. The paper by Tamminga et al8 in this issue (see page 639) addresses this important and current topic. The authors review interventions and strategies …