TY - JOUR

T1 - Exploring Patients’ Perspectives on Late Complications after Colorectal and Anal Cancer Treatment

T2 - A Qualitative Study

AU - Oggesen, Birthe Thing

AU - Hamberg, Marie Louise Sjødin

AU - Thomsen, Thordis

AU - Rosenberg, Jacob

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2023 by the authors.

PY - 2023

Y1 - 2023

N2 - Background: Patients often experience late complications following treatment for colorectal and anal cancer. Although several measurement tools exist to classify the severity of these symptoms, little is known about how patients personally experience and adapt to these complications. This study aimed to investigate patients’ experiences and coping strategies in relation to these symptoms. Methods: We conducted an explorative qualitative interview study to gather data. Results: Our findings revealed two main categories: How patients react after treatment for colorectal and anal cancer, and Experienced symptoms. Additionally, we identified four sub-categories: the period after discharge, coping strategies, stool symptoms, and other symptoms. Patients commonly feel abandoned once their surgical and oncological treatments are completed. It is typical for patients to turn to the internet for guidance on managing late complications, despite being aware that evidence-based options are limited. Stool-related issues significantly impact patients’ personal and professional lives, requiring constant preparedness for accidents, the use of diapers, and the need for extra clothing at all times. Furthermore, patients experience additional troublesome symptoms such as urinary incontinence, fatigue, pain, and sexual dysfunction, which further affect their daily lives. Conclusions: Patients experience multiple problems after colorectal cancer surgery, and this warrants more focused attention.

AB - Background: Patients often experience late complications following treatment for colorectal and anal cancer. Although several measurement tools exist to classify the severity of these symptoms, little is known about how patients personally experience and adapt to these complications. This study aimed to investigate patients’ experiences and coping strategies in relation to these symptoms. Methods: We conducted an explorative qualitative interview study to gather data. Results: Our findings revealed two main categories: How patients react after treatment for colorectal and anal cancer, and Experienced symptoms. Additionally, we identified four sub-categories: the period after discharge, coping strategies, stool symptoms, and other symptoms. Patients commonly feel abandoned once their surgical and oncological treatments are completed. It is typical for patients to turn to the internet for guidance on managing late complications, despite being aware that evidence-based options are limited. Stool-related issues significantly impact patients’ personal and professional lives, requiring constant preparedness for accidents, the use of diapers, and the need for extra clothing at all times. Furthermore, patients experience additional troublesome symptoms such as urinary incontinence, fatigue, pain, and sexual dysfunction, which further affect their daily lives. Conclusions: Patients experience multiple problems after colorectal cancer surgery, and this warrants more focused attention.

KW - anal cancer

KW - colorectal cancer

KW - late complications

KW - survivorship

U2 - 10.3390/curroncol30080546

DO - 10.3390/curroncol30080546

M3 - Journal article

C2 - 37623027

AN - SCOPUS:85168732301

VL - 30

SP - 7532

EP - 7541

JO - Current Oncology

JF - Current Oncology

SN - 1198-0052

IS - 8

ER -