Abstract: PURPOSE: To systematically evaluate the return-to-work emotions and experiences of head and neck cancer survivors and help in developing the individualized return-to-work interventions. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in CNKI, Wanfang database, VIP, China Biomedical Literature Service System, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and APA PsycInfo databases for qualitative studies on the experiences of head and neck cancer survivors returning to work. The search period covered from the establishment of the databases to December 2023. The quality of the literature was evaluated by two investigators using The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for Qualitative Research(2016) in Australia. The results were integrated using a pooled integration approach. RESULTS: Twelve studies were included, of which 65 were distilled and synthesized into three themes and 11 subthemes, including the importance and inadequacy of symptom distress affecting head and neck cancer survivors' work status and career progression, the coping measures by head and neck cancer survivors in order to adapt to work, and the importance and inadequacy of social support for head and neck cancer survivors to return to work. CONCLUSIONS: The survival of head and neck cancer patients is hampered by multiple factors when they return to work. Attention should be paid to the symptomatic burden and psychological state of head and neck cancer survivors. Symptom management should be strengthened, social support systems should be reinforced, and targeted intervention and support strategies should be formulated to promote the early return of head and neck cancer survivors to the workplace.

Key words: Head and neck cancer, Return to work, Needs, Meta-synthesis, Qualitative studies