Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Time-Use, Productivity, and Labor Outcomes Among Unpaid Cancer Caregivers.
Gavin Allman, Lillian Morrell, Filip Meheus et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis pooled evidence on time use and labor outcomes among unpaid caregivers of adults with cancer. Across 59 studies from 16 countries, caregivers provided an estimated 45 hours of unpaid care each week (95% CI, 31 to 58). Among employed caregivers, working hours declined by 13% (95% CI, 9 to 18), alongside absenteeism and reduced workplace productivity. Impacts were greater for caregivers of people with advanced cancer and during palliative care, and women consistently reported greater labor and productivity effects than men.
Key findings
- Caregivers provided an estimated 45 hours of unpaid care each week (95% CI, 31 to 58).
- Among employed caregivers, working hours declined by 13% (95% CI, 9 to 18).
- Caregivers missed 5% of working days (95% CI, 4 to 6) and had a 24% loss in workplace productivity (95% CI, 20 to 28).
- Thirty percent reported reduced job responsibilities (95% CI, 24 to 37), while 1% exited employment (95% CI, -3 to 5).
Why it matters
The pooled estimates show that cancer caregiving can involve substantial unpaid time and measurable disruption to employment and workplace productivity. These burdens may affect caregivers’ financial stability and longer-term well-being. The reported differences by cancer stage, care context, and gender also indicate that impacts are not uniform across caregivers.
What to keep in mind
The review included studies from different countries and standardized some outcomes to a 35-hour work week and 250 workdays per year for comparability; estimates therefore pool evidence across varied settings and measures.