Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Survival has improved over recent years and CRC survivors are a growing group of patients living with and beyond a diagnosis of cancer. Aims: This study aims to explore the follow-up priorities of CRC survivors and to determine if all those affected by CRC have been given a voice through current literature. Method: A systematic integrative literature review was performed across three databases— CINAHL, Medline and PsycINFO—from 2014 to 2024. This yielded 12 papers for inclusion. Thematic analysis was undertaken with themes from each paper identified and coded. Common themes were grouped and renamed. Results: Six themes emerged: understanding and managing long-term effects of treatment; the importance of good information; delivery of follow-up care; ease of access to care and investigations; fear of recurrence; and the changing impact of cancer treatment. Ethnic minority groups and non-native language speakers appeared underrepresented in the included studies; only 50% of included studies made ethnicity data available. It was not possible to determine whether other groups had been included, such as members of the LGBTQ+ community, those with learning disabilities or those with mental health conditions. Conclusions: Survivors of CRC require access to information and support to manage the effects of treatment in the short, medium and long term to optimise their quality of life post treatment. The approach to this should be shaped to the preference and need of the individual. Colorectal cancer Clinical Nurse Specialists need to tailor practice and use their expertise to meet the needs of CRC survivors during follow-up care processes. More evidence is needed on the follow-up priorities of CRC survivors from underrepresented groups to ensure that their voices are heard and their needs addressed.
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Coughlan, ClaireWatson, Eila Matheson, Lauren Alexis, Obrey
Oxford School of Nursing and Midwifery
Year of publication: 2024Date of RADAR deposit: 2024-11-04
"'This document is the Accepted Manuscript version of a Published Work that appeared in final form in Gastrointestinal Nursing, copyright © MA Healthcare, after peer review and technical editing by the publisher. To access the final edited and published work see https://doi.org/10.12968/gasn.2024.0024.'"