title: Coping with colorectal cancer: a qualitative exploration with patients and their family members.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Extensive family coping research has been conducted among breast cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma with lesser emphasis on the coping experiences of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and their family members.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To examine ways in which patients and their family members cope with the diagnosis of CRC.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 73 participants (21 patients, 52 family members) from 23 families described their experiences during and after a CRC diagnosis, including their coping experiences with the diagnosis. Data from semi-structured interviews were audio recorded and transcribed. The data were analyzed utilizing content analysis with inductive coding methods.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eight major themes were identified: positive reframing, holding on to a sense of normalcy, religion and spirituality, joining a group, creating awareness of CRC, lifestyle change, seeking information and alternative treatments. Maintaining an emotional sense of normalcy through positive thinking, engaging in activities to take one's mind off the diagnosis and believing that there is a higher authority which has control over the diagnosis and life were vital for the patients and their family members. Patients and family members used similar coping strategies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings from this study have implications for understanding how families blend emotion-based and problem-focused coping strategies in the face of a CRC diagnosis. Further developing evidence-based interventions that target coping and well-being in cancer patients and extending them to family members is necessary and holds great promise for providers who care for patients with familial cancers.
authors: Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, radeckibreitkopf.carmen@mayo.edu.
authors: Gladys B
authors: GB
authors: Asiedu
authors: College of Nursing and Health, Wright State University, Dayton, OH and.
authors: Rosemary W
authors: RW
authors: Eustace
authors: Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
authors: David T
authors: DT
authors: Eton
authors: Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, radeckibreitkopf.carmen@mayo.edu.
authors: Carmen
authors: C
authors: Radecki Breitkopf
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009679:Nuclear Family / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D029181:Spirituality; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Cancer coping; colorectal cancer; family coping; family experience; qualitative methods.