Fear of Cancer Progression and Death Anxiety in Survivors of Advanced Colorectal Cancer

A Qualitative Study Exploring Coping Strategies and Quality of Life

Bibliographic Data

ID13630237
AuthorsChloe Yi Shing Lim (0000-0002-2987-4444, The University of Sydney, corresponding author), Rebekah Laidsaar‐Powell (0000-0002-3462-5645, The University of Sydney), Rebekah C Laidsaar-Powell (The University of Sydney), Jane M Young (0000-0002-1904-5431, The University of Sydney), Jane Young (0000-0002-3642-1240, The University of Sydney), Michael Solomon (RPA Institute of Academic Surgery (IAS), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia), Michael J Solomon (0000-0002-5602-6045, The University of Sydney), Daniel Steffens (0000-0002-9715-860X, Surgical Outcomes Research Centre (SOuRCe), Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia), Prunella Blinman (Concord Cancer Centre, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, NSW, Australia), Scott O’Loughlin (Ramsay Mental Health, Macarthur Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia), Yuehan Zhang (0000-0003-2197-8617, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia), Phyllis Butow (0000-0003-3562-6954, The University of Sydney)
Year2022
Volume90
Issue3
Pages1325-1362
Publication date2022-09-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueOMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0030-2228 • E-ISSN: 1541-3764
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/00302228221121493
PMID36127158
OpenAlexW4296466214
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited39

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

Anxiety · Coping (psychology · Death anxiety · Distress · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Psychotherapist · Qualitative research · Quality of life (healthcare · Cancer survivorship and care · Clinical Psychology · Optimism, Hope, and Well-being · Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues · Psychology

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