Gregorowitsch ML, van den Bongard HJGD, Couwenberg AM, et al. - Researchers performed this prospective cohort analysis to assess patient-reported work ability of breast cancer patients, as well as to compare scores with the Dutch general population. They also investigated the factors that determined decreased work ability in breast cancer patients. A total of 939 patients < 67 years were identified. Prior to the commencement of radiotherapy treatment (baseline) and at 6, 18, and 30 months, the Work Ability Index questionnaire was completed by employed patients. Using a matched Dutch cancer-free population (n = 3,641), a comparison of work ability was performed. They found that breast cancer treatment was accompanied by a strong decline in patient-reported work ability. A higher proportion of women reported poor or moderate work ability at 30 months post-treatment vs the general population. They also noted the requirement of substantial amendments in work in 18% of patients, despite stability in the proportion of women with paid employment over time. The significance of notifying patients about potential variations in work ability, to allow shared decision making, was highlighted.