It's not fine: A photo-elicitation study of rectal cancer survivors' emotions and coping strategies.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Comprehensive cancer care includes supporting the psychological health of survivors who are at high risk of distress. However, little is known about the emotional experiences of rectal cancer survivors specifically. We sought to explore psychological well-being and coping strategies utilized by rectal cancer survivors.

Methods

Twenty rectal cancer survivors shared photographs of their post-treatment experiences. In follow-up interviews, participants discussed photographs' meanings and emotional experiences during their cancer journey. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using iterative steps of inductive thematic analysis.

Results

Emotions ranged from sadness to anxiety and fear of cancer recurrence. Coping mechanisms were grouped into 3 categories: (1) se

SUBMITTER: Rivard SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10400270 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature