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A qualitative focus group study to identify the needs of survivors of stage II and III colorectal cancer
Author(s) -
Ho Maria Y.,
McBride Mary L.,
Gotay Carolyn,
Grunfeld Eva,
Earle Craig C.,
Relova Sharon,
Tsonis Miranda,
Ruan Jenny Y.,
Chang Jennifer T.,
Cheung Winson Y.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.3988
Subject(s) - survivorship curve , focus group , medicine , cancer survivor , distress , psychological intervention , colostomy , colorectal cancer , qualitative research , social support , quality of life (healthcare) , gerontology , family medicine , cancer , psychology , nursing , clinical psychology , surgery , psychotherapist , social science , marketing , sociology , business
Background Prior survivorship research has largely focused on issues faced by survivors of childhood tumors, breast cancers, or hematologic malignancies. Relatively little is known about the needs of other prevalent survivor groups. Our aim was to identify the specific concerns of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors in the key domains of physical functioning, psychological wellbeing, and social relationships. Methods We conducted focus groups with stage II and III CRC survivors who had completed their primary active anti‐cancer treatments. Patients were asked to describe how their diagnosis and treatment impacted their lives, to outline deficiencies in the care that they received, and to suggest ways of addressing any unmet needs. A content analysis was subsequently conducted to identify major themes. Results Thirty CRC survivors participated in six focus groups. Individuals reported some degree of dissatisfaction with the amount and type of diagnostic and treatment information they received at their initial clinic visit. Distress from toxicities, such as peripheral neuropathy, was also common among the survivors. Similarly, the majority faced challenges adjusting to their lives and daily activities, especially in caring for their colostomy. Having survived CRC, many survivors expressed an interest in advocacy and health promotion of CRC. Conclusions CRC survivors face many barriers after their cancer treatment. Issues with colostomy are unique to this survivor group. Interventions to improve CRC survivorship care should also incorporate opportunities for patient advocacy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.