Premium
Living with long‐term consequences: Experience of follow‐up care and support needs among Asian long‐term colorectal cancer survivors
Author(s) -
Yoon Sungwon,
Chua Teck Beng,
Tan Iain Beehuat,
Matchar David,
Ong Marcus Eng Hock,
Tan Emile
Publication year - 2020
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.5452
Subject(s) - thematic analysis , workforce , medicine , survivorship curve , context (archaeology) , social support , psychology , long term care , gerontology , nursing , qualitative research , population , social psychology , sociology , paleontology , social science , environmental health , economics , biology , economic growth
Abstract Objectives This study aimed to provide an in‐depth exploration of follow‐up care experiences and supportive care needs in long‐term colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors within multiethnic Asian communities. Methods Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were conducted on a purposive sample of 30 long‐term CRC survivors who had completed all treatment without recurrence ranging 2 to 17 years in Singapore. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was conducted following grounded theory approach. Results Four themes represented the experience of the Asian long‐term CRC survivors: (a) living with long‐term consequences, (b) dealing with unceasing adaptation demands, (c) navigating a healthcare journey with limited direction, (d) regaining mastery through adversity. CRC and its treatment had profound physical impacts on some long‐term survivors and these effected their psychological well‐being. A sense of abandonment and vulnerability following the cessation of a 5‐year follow‐up care was repeatedly expressed. Participants defined recovery from CRC as not merely surviving but also having high physical function and full independence. They often sought less conventional remedies and medicine based on cultural beliefs rather than current evidence. Participants noted pervasive social stigma associated with CRC that impeded their inclusion in the workforce. Conclusions Asian long‐term CRC survivors experienced multiple challenges and needs relating to the care experience, information provision and workforce stigmatization, and several of which were unique to the Asian context. Future work will need to consider the implementation of culturally tailored cancer survivorship care plans that incorporate the specific needs of Asian CRC survivors.