The views of bowel cancer survivors and health care professionals regarding survivorship care plans and post treatment follow up

Abstract

Overcoming identified barriers to implementing SCPs for bowel cancer survivors is necessary for high quality cancer care.

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

“…The precarious nature of employment caused survivors financial distress, in turn contributing to poorer psychological well-being (Baravelli et al, 2009;Gordon et al, 2008;Grant et al, 2011;Lundy et al, 2009). Furthermore, employment insecurity may result in some CRC survivors concealing the extent of their disease and risk of recurrence from employers and insurers.…”

“…Similar to other groups of cancer survivors, the timing, need and ability to process cancer-related information is highly individualized, yet HCP's do not always tailor responses to survivors' circumstances (Anderson et al, 2013;Baravelli et al, 2009). Despite these challenges, resilience and the ability to re-appraise life allows CRC survivors' to appreciate life, in some cases to a greater degree than one who had not experienced cancer (Serpentini et al, 2011).…”

“…The multitude of healthcare providers, variance in models of care provision, and fragmentation of healthcare meant this could be a protracted and complex experience (Baravelli et al, 2009;Gordon et al, 2012;Haggstrom et al, 2009;Sisler et al, 2012;Snyder et al, 2008a, b). Survivors may attend multiple physicians for followup care, including a medical oncologist, a radiation oncologist, a surgeon, a gastroenterologist and a primary care practitioner, each with different objectives for survivorship care (Baravelli et al, 2009;Haggstrom et al, 2009). The complexity of the process means that some CRC survivors fall through the cracks of follow-up; as many as one-quarter do not believe they are receiving cancer-related follow-up care (Haggstrom et al, 2009).…”

“…The general needs of CRC survivors reflect those of the heterogeneous population of cancer survivors, and relate to the psychological and social consequences of cancer. Few CRC survivors' are explicitly asked about their emotional well-being in the aftermath of treatment, though most find such enquiry useful (Baravelli et al, 2009 psychological support for both themselves and their family members (Anderson et al, 2013;Grant et al, 2011). The timing of support and information is crucial, but the point at which the survivor is ready to process such information is highly individualized (Anderson et al, 2013;Haggstrom et al, 2009;Nikoletti et al, 2008).…”

“…Unfortunately, some survivors may not benefit from, or desire to be involved in cancer support groups, due to difficulty discussing bowel-related concerns in a general cancer support forum because of embarrassment or lack of sensitivity from others (Baravelli et al, 2009;McCaughan et al, 2012;McMullen et al, 2008). Despite these issues, CRC survivors demonstrate particular resourcefulness in securing information and support outside the hospital environment, using telephone helplines, information booklets, internet resources, cancer peersupport, counselling, complementary/alternative medicine, and family support (Anderson et al, 2013;Appleton et al, 2013;Lawsin et al, 2007;McCaughan et al, 2012;McMullen et al, 2008;Nikoletti et al, 2008;Ramirez et al, 2009;Stein et al, 2009;Tofthagen, 2010).…”