Patients' experiences of living beyond colorectal cancer: A qualitative study

Cancer survivorship: Advancing the concept in the context of colorectal cancer

“…Of those who do, most agree cancer survivorship begins at the point of diagnosis, persisting through periods of remission and end of life care (Appleton et al, 2013;Chambers et al, 2012a;McCaughan et al, 2012). However, there are considerable inconsistencies in the timeframe and disease stage inclusion criteria of research involving CRC survivors.…”

“…5). Few authors explicitly acknowledge diagnosis as the starting point of cancer survivorship, representing the origin of cancer survivorship as a transcendence or transition from patient to survivor (Appleton et al, 2013;Bains et al, 2012;Gordon et al, 2008Gordon et al, , 2012McCaughan et al, 2012;Palmer et al, 2013;Salsman et al, 2011;Snyder et al, 2008b;Soerjomataram et al, 2012). Despite this, survivors themselves recognize the importance of diagnosis and treatment in the continuum of cancer survivorship, as CRC survivors relate the symptoms and difficulties of these periods to their experiences of cancer survivorship (Anderson et al, 2013;Appleton et al, 2013;McCaughan et al, 2012;Nikoletti et al, 2008;Palmer et al, 2013).…”

“…Survivorship is often described as a process incorporating diagnosis and treatment, progressing into an altered life punctuated by both positive and negative consequences of the disease and its treatment (Appleton et al, 2013;Chambers et al, 2012a;Palmer et al, 2013). The dynamic process of survivorship in CRC is characterized by multiple mechanisms.…”

“…When treatment is complete, monitoring for recurrence becomes a priority for HCP's (Brawarsky et al, 2013;Carpentier et al, 2013;Cooper et al, 2008;Esplen et al, 2007;Hu et al, 2011;Salz et al, 2009). Meanwhile, the survivor becomes preoccupied with healing, recovery, adjustment, adaption and coping processes (Appleton et al, 2013;Chambers et al, 2012b;Di Fabio et al, 2008;Esplen et al, 2007;Grant et al, 2011;Loi, 2011;McCaughan et al, 2012;Nikoletti et al, 2008;Serpentini et al, 2011). The recovery process occurs in a manner and pace unique to each individual (Appleton et al, 2013).…”

“…Meanwhile, the survivor becomes preoccupied with healing, recovery, adjustment, adaption and coping processes (Appleton et al, 2013;Chambers et al, 2012b;Di Fabio et al, 2008;Esplen et al, 2007;Grant et al, 2011;Loi, 2011;McCaughan et al, 2012;Nikoletti et al, 2008;Serpentini et al, 2011). The recovery process occurs in a manner and pace unique to each individual (Appleton et al, 2013). The survivor may engage in a period of post-traumatic growth, using techniques including goal setting, meaning making and benefit finding to return to, or reconceptualize 'normal' life (Appleton et al, 2013;Chambers et al, 2012a;Nikoletti et al, 2008;Palmer et al, 2013;Salsman et al, 2009;Soerjomataram et al, 2012).…”