Fear of Cancer Progression and Death Anxiety in Survivors of Advanced Colorectal Cancer: A Qualitative Study Exploring Coping Strategies and Quality of Life

Abstract

This study aimed to examine coping strategies used by advanced colorectal cancer (CRC-A) survivors to manage death anxiety and fear of cancer progression, and links between these strategies and quality of life (QoL), distress, and death acceptance. Qualitative semi-structured interviews of 38 CRC-A survivors (22 female) were analysed via framework analysis. QoL and distress were assessed through the FACT-C and Distress Thermometer. Eleven themes were identified and mapped to active avoidance (keeping busy and distracted), passive avoidance (hoping for a cure), active confrontation (managing negative emotions; reaching out to others; focusing on the present; staying resilient), meaning-making (redefining one’s identity; contributing to society; gaining perspective; remaining spiritual), and acceptance (accepting one’s situation). Active confrontation (specifically utilising informal support networks) and meaning-making appeared beneficial coping strategies; more research is needed to develop and evaluate interventions which increase CRC-A survivors’ use of these strategies to manage and cope with their death anxiety.

Keywords

bowel cancer cancer survivorship death acceptance fear of cancer recurrence qualitative interviews

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