Health

Pioneer of cancer at work studies dies at 95

by LotusFlower | October 6, 2008 at 11:33 am | 37 views | 2 comments | 10 recommendations

Frances Lomas Feldman who died last week at 95 was not a scientist but a social worker and her contribution to work to support cancer surviviors in the workplace was important and still relevant. More than 30 years on since her studies revealed that cancer survivors often met discrimmination in the workplace when they returned to work after treatment patients still feel that some employers treat them differently to other workers when it comes to promotion in the work place. Feldman's work led to some states changing their employment laws to try and prevent such dicriminatory practices.

Feldman was a remarkable woman who believed that you can help people even if you are not treating their bodies and that social sciences had much to offer in identifying and supporting people and communities. She believed in the power of humans to reach out to each other and help.

The idea that medical science and social endeavour working hand in hand to support people gets best results will be one of her philosophical legacies.

Frances Lomas Feldman, a USC professor and social work pioneer who conducted a groundbreaking study in the 1970s that showed cancer patients faced discrimination in the workplace, has died. She was 95.

Feldman died at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena on Tuesday, a week after having a stroke, USC announced.

In 1976, she began a multiyear study to investigate the work experiences of people treated for cancer. Her research provided the first systematic evidence that employers and co-workers often imposed harsh, even illegal conditions on cancer survivors, The Times reported in 1985.

Not long after beginning her research, Feldman called the results "disheartening."

The study of more than 200 Southern California cancer survivors found that more than 50% of white-collar workers and 84% of blue-collar workers faced discrimination when they returned to work. The affronts included demotions, denial of promotions and withdrawal of health insurance coverage.

But the American Cancer Society, which funded the study, used her findings to call attention to the problem.

Researchers from around the world continue to seek out Feldman's research, which was "an early look at a continuing problem," according to USC.

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Terri Potratz

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 11:57 on October 6th, 2008

LotusFlower, I like this story. It's good stuff.

Nice to hear about some of the 'forgotten' heroes, the people who devote their energies to improving the lives of others. She's left a lasting legacy, thanks for the post.

LotusFlower

at 12:46 on October 6th, 2008

thanks - the social aspects of cancer - and there are many - are not publicised as much as work around developing cures - social conditions and emotional well being are key in preventing some cancers and in recovery after treatment