Colorecta I Cancer and Rehabilitation Counseling

Abstract

In 2011, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimated that 141,210 people were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, affecting approximately 1.1 million people. One of those individuals was the lead author of this article, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in December, 2011. As such, this article offers a unique perspective on cancer recovery and rehabilitation from a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor who experienced a transverse colostomy and colectomy. Rehabilitation counselors playa critical role in recovery and return to work following cancer surgery and treatment. Implications for rehabilitation counselors will be examined including surgery and treatment options, psychosocial effects, functional concerns and colostomies, and return to work.

The impact of surviving bowel cancer on occupation: A scoping review

“…Reduced role functioning and productivity is reported for survivors with an ostomy in comparison to those without (Cotrim and Pereira, 2008;Hornbrook et al, 2017); this conflicts with Yau et al (2009), who found no significant differences between the two groups. Ostomates experienced difficulties with physically demanding tasks such as bending and lifting heavy objects, privacy issues and the extended bathroom time required Hewes and Graney, 2014;Hornbrook et al, 2017;McGrath et al, 2017). For those without an ostomy, the disruption and social embarrassment resulting from altered bowel habits provided a barrier to employment Grant et al, 2011;Hornbrook et al, 2017;McGrath et al, 2017;McMullen et al, 2017).…”

“…Resumption of employment can be eased by emotional and practical support from co-workers and supervisors, and adaptations to the work day such as starting later, the reduction of business travel, and assignment to less physically and mentally demanding tasks (Appleton et al, 2013;Hewes and Graney, 2014;Hornbrook et al, 2017;McGrath et al, 2017). Reported benefits of RTW for bowel cancer survivors included improved functional wellbeing and overall QoL, social support, a structured routine, an increased sense of worth, distraction from illness, financial benefit and a feeling of returning to normality (Appleton et al, 2013;McGrath et al, 2017).…”

“…Self-care. Those without an ostomy experienced issues relating to faecal incontinence such as soilage, the use of absorbent pads, and managing functional changes (Appleton et al, 2013;Cengiz and Bahar, 2017;Hewes and Graney, 2014;Ho et al, 2016;Hornbrook et al, 2017;Landers et al, 2011;Ruakere, 2016). Practices were revealed such as using barrier cream and moist wipes to reduce anal soreness due to frequency of bowel movements (Landers et al, 2011;Ruakere, 2016).…”

“…Ostomates often reduced frequency of showering, with discomfort observing stool in the pouch, and some only showering on days when pouching systems were changed; increased time spent in the bathroom was also described, as well as practices such as covering the stoma with a thin film dressing when bathing (Cengiz and Bahar, 2017;Hewes and Graney, 2014;Ho et al, 2016). Moreover, personal cleansing times were adapted -such as before prayers in the case of Muslim survivors -and clothing chosen to accommodate an ostomy such as loose garments not tucked into trousers or skirts and bikini underwear instead of briefs (Cengiz and Bahar, 2017).…”