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. 2022 Feb;30(2):1483-1491.
doi: 10.1007/s00520-021-06513-1. Epub 2021 Sep 16.

Colorectal cancer survival: prevalence of psychosocial distress and unmet supportive care needs

Yolanda Andreu  1 , Paula Martinez  2 , Ana Soto-Rubio  1 , Silvia Fernández  3   4 , Carles Bosch  4 , Andrés Cervantes  5
Affiliations

Colorectal cancer survival: prevalence of psychosocial distress and unmet supportive care needs

Yolanda Andreu et al. Support Care Cancer. 2022 Feb.

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of distress and unmet supportive care needs in post-treatment colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors. Also, to explore the association between both variables and to identify potential associated sociodemographic and cancer-related risk factors.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of 200 CRC survivors who at least 1 month before had completed the primary treatment for CRC was conducted. The Brief Symptom Inventory-18 (BSI-18) and the Spanish version of Cancer Survivors' Unmet Needs (S-CaSUN) were used.

Results: One in five CRC survivors showed clinical distress and 86% expressed at least one unmet need. Distress was positively associated with the prevalence of needs in all domains. All comprehensive care and information needs were expressed by at least 20% of survivors and some by more than 50%. Other needs also mentioned by 20% of survivors were financial support, ongoing case manager, and concerns about cancer recurrence. The risk factors associated were lower socioeconomic status, younger age, and a primary treatment that includes more than surgery.

Conclusions: The findings highlight the relevance of extending psychosocial care beyond the CRC primary medical treatment. A person-centered approach that addresses informational, emotional, social, and physical needs can increase satisfaction with care and also prevent psychological morbidity in CRC survivors.

Keywords: CRC survivorship; Cancer Survivors Unmet Needs measure; Emotional distress; Psycho-oncology; Supportive care needs.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

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