Specific posttreatment concerns and challenges cannot be viewed as unitary or discrete aspects of life, but should be considered within a biopsychosocial context, to address patients' needs holistically.

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Exploring and comparing the experience and coping behaviour of men and women with colorectal cancer after chemotherapy treatment A qualitative longitudinal study McCaughan, E., Prue, G., Parahoo, K., McIlfatrick, S., & McKenna, H. (2012). Exploring and comparing the experience and coping behaviour of men and women with colorectal cancer after chemotherapy treatment A qualitative longitudinal study. Psycho-oncology, 21 (1) There are no conflicts of interest to declare.2 Abstract Objectives: Men have higher incidence and mortality rates for nearly all cancers. They are less likely than women to utilise cancer information services and other social support services. The aim of this study was to explore and compare the experience and coping behaviour of men and women after treatment for colorectal cancer (CRC).Methods: A longitudinal qualitative study was conducted involving 38 individuals (24 men, 14 women) with CRC. Data were generated using semi-structured interviews at four time points over an 18-month period, post-diagnosis. Interviews focused on participants'experience of CRC and on how gender affected their coping. This paper reports the findings of interviews three and four which examined the participants' experience after chemotherapy.Results: Three themes emerged from the interviews ('new normal', living with uncertainty and support needs). Many men and women reacted similarly, however there was some variation evident between and within sexes. The main difference was with regards to the long term physical side effects of the illness. Many women admitted to still experiencing side effects whereas many men indicated that they had no problems. These men engaged in practices that aligned with their gender identity and view of masculinity. It must be noted that some men and women were still experiencing an impact. Conclusions:Recovery from the physical and psychological effects of CRC does not occur simultaneously. Health care professionals should be aware that not all men (or women) conform to the social stereotypes of masculinity (or femininity).

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This study provided an insight into the circumstances where caring for stroke survivors takes place. These factors that have an impact on caring and carers should inform the nursing assessment of needs of carers of stroke survivors in the community.

Background: Preparing children for the death of a parent is challenging. Parents are often uncertain if and how to communicate and support their children. Many parents feel it is protecting their children by not telling them about the prognosis. Children less prepared for parental death from a terminal illness are more susceptive to later adversities. To facilitate coping and moderate for such adversities, there is a need to gain insight and understand the experience and challenges confronted by families. Aim: This review synthesised evidence on the experiences of parents and children when a parent is at end of life to discern their challenges, support needs and factors that facilitated good practice. Design: Mixed-methods systematic review. Data sources: Four electronic databases (CINAHL, PubMed, PsycINFO and Ovid MEDLINE) using MeSH terms and word searches in October 2018. Studies were not limited by year of publication, language or country. Grey literature searches were also completed on Google Scholar and OpenGrey. Results: In all, 7829 records were identified; 27 qualitative and 0 quantitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Eight descriptive themes were identified, further categorised into two broad themes: (1) barriers and facilitators in sharing the news that a parent is dying and (2) strategies to manage the changing situation. Conclusion: Lack of understanding in relation to the parent’s prognosis, denial and feeling ill-equipped were suggested as barriers for parents to share the news with their children. Engagement with social networks, including extended family relatives and peers, and maintaining routines such as attending school were suggested supportive by parents and children. Findings are limited primarily to White, middle-class two-parent families. A number of areas for future research are identified.

This study suggests that head and neck cancer patients with post-treatment psychosocial dysfunction can benefit from a problem-focused psychosocial intervention. Such evidence can inform practice, policy and future research, aimed at improving post-treatment quality of life for patients with head and neck cancer.

· Recent restructuring of cancer services in the United Kingdom and advances in cancer chemotherapy have resulted in the majority of chemotherapy being delivered on an outpatient basis.· Patients receiving chemotherapy are at risk of developing multiple problems and increased anxiety levels and are now more likely to encounter these problems outside the hospital setting. Therefore, providing all the necessary information at chemotherapy sessions is crucial to self-care activities and coping. · A study was carried out to investigate the information needs of patients at various stages of chemotherapy treatment and this article reports these needs at the beginning of treatment. · Most patients wanted to receive all possible information about their condition and reported satisfaction with the information provided. · The overwhelming ®nding was lack of information given to patients regarding family relationships. Whilst almost all patients wanted this information, more than half reported that it had not been given.