Evidence map›Paper›PMID 39787181›Full record

ArticlePloS one2025

Getting back on track after treatment of cancer: A qualitative interview study of cancer survivors' experiences.

Doris van der Smissen, Marjolein Lugtenberg, Manon Enting, Laurens Beerepoot, Floortje Mols, Evelien Brouwers, Dareczka Wasowicz, Margot Joosen

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in PloS one, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 10 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
10citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

10 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
  2. Trial
  3. Article
  4. Article
  5. Narrative reconstruction and embodiment in the Desert Journey program for young adult cancer survivors.Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · 2026
    Article
  6. Barriers and facilitators to implementing an online psychological intervention for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors in a community setting.Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer · 2026
    Article
  7. Article
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4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Doris van der SmissenTranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0003-2363-9416
Marjolein LugtenbergTranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.ORCID 0000-0002-4117-2154
Manon EntingTranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Laurens BeerepootDepartment of Internal Medicine, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Floortje MolsCenter of Research on Psychological Disorders in Somatic Diseases, Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Evelien BrouwersTranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Dareczka WasowiczDepartment of Surgery, Elisabeth-TweeSteden Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Margot JoosenTranzo, Scientific Center for Care and Wellbeing, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectiveAn increasing number of people resumes life after cancer treatment. Although the (long-term) side-effects of cancer and its treatment can be significant, less is known about the impact on cancer survivors' participation in daily life. The aim of this study was to explore the common experiences of cancer survivors in resuming life after treatment.

methodsA semi-structured interview study was conducted among 22 cancer survivors having a favorable prognosis after treatment. Purposive sampling was used to select a variable sample in terms of diagnoses (e.g. breast cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma), age (18-77 years), and time after diagnosis (0-7 years). Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed in a thorough thematic analysis.

resultsFour main themes were identified. First, cancer survivors reported an emotional fallout episode to often follow treatment, which was characterized by a loss of direction and control due to discontinuation of medical care, decreased support from healthcare professionals and their social network, and an emotional set back. Second, survivors experienced challenges with getting back on track such as the impact of impaired physical and cognitive functions, and challenges and uncertainty related to work and finances. Third, in coping with changes and regaining trust they tried to find a balance between dealing with patient stigma and fear of recurrence on the one hand, and maintaining a positive mindset on the other hand. Fourth, the disease often led to re-evaluating values in life, health and work, which included realizing and accepting change and having a more conscious outlook on life.

conclusionIn resuming life after treatment, cancer survivors experience several challenges and changes in values in different life domains that extend beyond the specific diagnosis. To improve supportive care, healthcare professionals should focus on the (changed) individual needs and values of survivors in the domains considered relevant to them.

Indexed as

Adaptation, PsychologicalCancer SurvivorsNeoplasmsQualitative ResearchAdolescentAdultAgedFemaleHumansInterviews as TopicMaleMiddle AgedQuality of LifeYoung Adult

Identifiers

PMID39787181
PMCPMC11717179

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.