LAUSR

Purpose This study estimated the prevalence of cancer-related pain in working-age cancer survivors (age 25–64 years) and evaluated differences in demographic and clinical variables in those with and without pain. We also investigated the impact of cancer-related pain on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and employment outcomes in this population. Methods We used cross-sectional data from the 2016 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS). Analyses were conducted with a sample of 1702 cancer survivors who completed treatment. All analyses were conducted using procedures to account for the complex sampling design of the BRFSS. Results Nearly 17% (95% CI [13.94–19.58]) of working-age cancer survivors reported experiencing cancer-related pain. Among those who experienced pain, the majority were female, white, non-Hispanic, married/partnered, and non-employed, with breast as the most common cancer disease site. Those with cancer-related pain experienced more physically unhealthy days (adjusted rate ratio [aRR] 1.63, 95% CI [1.16–2.28]), mentally unhealthy days (aRR 1.52, 95% CI [1.02–2.26]), and activity interference (aRR 2.15, 95% CI [1.53–3.02]). Cancer-related pain decreased the odds of being employed, but only in female survivors (adjusted odds ratio 0.34, 95% CI [0.22–0.54]). Conclusion Cancer-related chronic pain is a prevalent, long-term condition that is negatively associated with HRQoL and employment in working-age cancer survivors. Implications for Cancer Survivors Clinical interventions targeting chronic pain may improve HRQoL in working-age cancer survivors and employment outcomes, particularly in women.