Everyday Life After Colon Cancer

Abstract

Abstract:Background: There is little research regarding how everyday life is affected by colon cancer treatment.Few studies exist which exclusively examine colon cancer Duke C patients. Most studies include other type of bowel cancer and different stages.Objective: To explore and describe how colon cancer survivors experience everyday life in general and sexuality in particular after treatment of colon cancer Duke C Method: The study is exploratory and descriptive and uses semi-structured interviews to collect data.Nine participants were interviewed regarding their everyday lives up until two years after concluded treatment. The analysis was done using Graneheim and Lundman's method of content-analysis.Results: Bodily changes are a consequence of colon cancer. Exhaustion, colon problems and visible bodily changes are some of the challenges that survivors are faced with. Socializing with friends was different and work had to be facilitated. Social networks proved to be a good support and spouses were considered to be the most important source of social support. Sexual challenges were experienced by men and women alike Conclusion: Participants experience changes in day to day life after cancer treatment. Social networks and the participants' own coping strategies are key to shaping everyday life after treatment.Implication for Practice: It is crucial that healthcare professionals have a holistic view of patients.Both partners and physical activity were identified as an integral part of coping. Seniors are often less active and some have lost their spouses, it is therefore especially important to examine this demographic. A survey before and after treatment can help optimize rehabilitation.

Exercise: A positive feature on functioning in daily life during cancer treatment – Experiences from the Phys-Can study

“…Daily life during cancer treatment was a struggle for the participants due to the side effects, as also seen in previous research (Bennion and Molassiotis, 2013;Mishra et al, 2012;Nilsson et al, 2013;Stuhlfauth et al, 2017). Despite side effects, the participants strove to live a normal life and to maintain routines in their new context.…”

“…Impaired functioning due to the symptoms of cancer and cancer treatment is a challenge for daily life, and negatively affects a person's health-related quality of life (HRQOL) (Appleton et al, 2015;Fleischer and Howell, 2017;Okamoto et al, 2012;Stuhlfauth et al, 2017). Functioning is an overall term for body functions, body structures, activities and participation (World Health Organization, 2013).…”

“…Social participation and activities of daily life often need to be adjusted due to impaired functioning during treatment (Fleischer and Howell, 2017;Stuhlfauth et al, 2017). Ness et al (2006) investigated recent and long-term cancer survivors and found that more than 50% were limited in terms of performing physical tasks that required muscle activity, such as bending, lifting or carrying, compared to 21% of the general population (Ness et al, 2006).…”

The physical, psychological and social experiences of alopecia among women receiving chemotherapy: An integrative literature review

“…While family are often the most enduring source of support for the individual with cancer (Drageset et al, 2016;Drury et al, 2020), a bald head in the context of family can be seen as confronting as it personifies the cancer diagnosis, and may be difficult or distressing for children to accept or comprehend (Jayde et al, 2013). Shaping everyday life after treatment is an integral part of coping, involving good social networks to maintain active social lives and women's own coping strategies, such as physical activity (Stuhlfauth et al, 2018).…”

Nurses' attitudes towards support for and communication about sexual health—A qualitative study from the perspectives of oncological nurses

“…A large numbers of literature reviews, quantitative and qualitative studies show that physically, mentally and socially factors influence each other regarding a person's sexual health, and sexual health can be effected regardless of the type of cancer disease or type of oncological treatment (cf. Bober & Varela, 2012;McGrath, 2012;O'Shaughnessy, Ireland, Pelentsov, Thomas, & Esterman, 2013;Rasmusson, 2015;Stuhlfauth, Melby, & Hellesᴓ, 2018). Perz, Ussher, and Gilbert (2013) show in an interview study of 44 people with cancer, 35 partners of a person with cancer and 37 healthcare professionals working in oncology that impacts on sexual health may be reduced sexual desire, changed body perception and reduced sexual self-esteem.…”