Psychosocial Challenges After Treatment for Colorectal and Anal Cancer: A Descriptive Study

Receiving a diagnosis of cancer can profoundly impact an individual's perception of life. It can significantly affect their daily functioning because of changes in work ability, treatment-related sequelae, and psychological distress. This prospective single center observational study aimed to identify psychosocial problems experienced by patients treated for colorectal or anal cancer. Patients were seen in an outpatient clinic for cancer sequelae treatment. During consultations, we documented the specific problems discussed and addressed with each patient. Patients with psychosocial problems were eligible for this study. Psychosocial challenges were defined from the patients' medical records. Of the 583 patients evaluated at our center, 107 patients experienced psychosocial issues that were discussed during consultations. The most prevalent issues included tiredness or sleep disturbance followed by challenges with returning to everyday life, existential dilemmas, work-related challenges, and bowel and stool problems. There were no correlations with age, gender, or tumor stadium.