To systematically review the return to work (RTW) experience of breast cancer patients.

Qualitative research on the RTW real experience of breast cancer patients were retrieved by computer in China National Knowledge Internet, WanFang Data, China Biology Medicine Literature Database, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, EBSCO and PubMed from database building to July 2020. "Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for qualitative studies in Australia" was used to evaluation, and the collective synthesis method was used to integrate the result.

A total of 18 articles were included, and 56 clear research results were refined. The similar results were grouped together to form 8 new categories and integrated into 3 synthesis results. Synthesis result 1 was the transformation of own working status and external environment. Synthesis result 2 was improving subjective initiative, and actively seeking adaptation and development. Synthesis result 3 was cherishing themselves, being grateful for the status quo, and realizing personal value.

Health care providers should pay attention to the physical and mental experience, behavioral performance and needs of breast cancer patients during the RTW process, and increase the evaluation and management of this population, build a dynamic, multidisciplinary and targeted guidance program, and actively encourage patients to RTW and return to normal life.

Breast neoplasms; Return to work; Qualitative research; Systematic review; Meta-synthesis