ArticleBMJ open2021
'Because Everybody is so Different': a qualitative analysis of the lived experiences and information needs of rectal cancer survivors.
Article in BMJ open, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 17 papers.
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Who cites it
17 citing papers in PubMed.
- Conversations in rectal cancer treatment: a qualitative study of multidisciplinary clinician perspective into non-operative management decision-making discussions.Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · 2026Article
- The Process of Adapting to Altered Bowel Function in Patients With Rectal Cancer: A Grounded Theory Study.Psycho-oncology · 2026Article
- Following Gastrointestinal Surgery for Cancer: How Patients Pursue Surgical Treatment.Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) · 2026Article
- Factors associated with anxiety in colorectal cancer survivors: a scoping review.Journal of cancer survivorship : research and practice · 2026Article
- Beyond Bleeding, Infection, Damage to Surrounding Structures: Challenges and Opportunities When Communicating about Surgical Risks.Clinics in colon and rectal surgery · 2026Review
- Incidence of new-onset depression after colorectal cancer diagnosis and associated mortality: a population-based cohort study.BMJ oncology · 2026Article
- Article
- The patient perspective on transanal irrigation treatment for low anterior resection syndrome after rectal cancer surgery - a qualitative and quantitative study.BMC gastroenterology · 2025Article
- "So, what are you saying?": A qualitative study of surgeon-patient communication in the rectal cancer consultations.American journal of surgery · 2025Article
- Mapping the colorectal cancer patient journey in Egypt: A qualitative study of diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle perspectives.PloS one · 2025Article
- Enhancing support for patients with low anterior resection syndrome: insights and educational resources from the LARSCAT project.International journal of colorectal disease · 2024Article
- Facilitators and barriers to survivorship support access: a qualitative study of rectal cancer survivors' experiences in Texas.BMJ open · 2024Article
- Information needs preferences of Chinese colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy: A discrete choice experiment.Asia-Pacific journal of oncology nursing · 2024Article
- Mental health in people living with and beyond colorectal cancer: A patient-oriented constructivist grounded theory.Cancer medicine · 2024Article
- Shared Decision-Making, Sphincter Preservation, and Rectal Cancer Treatment: Identifying and Executing What Matters Most to Patients.Clinics in colon and rectal surgery · 2024Review
- Recurrent Diverticulitis: Where Uncomplicated Is Complicated.Annals of surgery open : perspectives of surgical history, education, and clinical approaches · 2022Article
- Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
6 authors.
Funding
Abstract
objectiveTo (1) characterise (A) the lived experiences and (B) information needs of patients with rectal cancer; and (2) compare to the perceived lived experiences and information needs of colorectal surgeons.
designWe conducted 1-hour semistructured qualitative interviews, dual independent transcript coding and thematic analysis. SETTING/
participantsInterviews included rectal cancer survivors (stages I-III), some accompanied by caregivers, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and experienced colorectal surgeons.
resultsWe performed 25 interviews involving 30 participants, including 15 patients with 5 caregivers, plus 10 physicians. Two major themes emerged. First, patients reported major impacts on their lives following rectal cancer, including on their everyday lives and leisure activities; identity, self-confidence and intimacy; mental health, especially anxiety. These impacts were mediated by their medical experiences, lifestyle and attitudes. Second, the diversity of effects on patients' lives means that care, counselling and information needs should be personalised for a better medical experience and outcomes. Surgeons did not report knowledge of the full range of patient experiences and reported limited counselling in key areas, particularly concerning intimacy and mental health.
conclusionRectal cancer diagnosis, treatment and survivorship dramatically affect all people, regardless of which surgical treatment they undergo. Effects are varied and necessitate customised care, counselling and information, which surgeons are not currently providing. Because rectal cancer affects every part of patients' lives, they need holistic support and information. Patients would benefit from substantial support after treatment as they establish a new normal.
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