title: Knowledge and awareness of long-term and late treatment consequences amongst colorectal cancer survivors: A qualitative study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe patient knowledge and awareness of long-term and late onset treatment consequences amongst colorectal cancer survivors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 19 colorectal cancer survivors at least 12 months post-treatment. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed into NVivo 10 software and analysed using the framework method.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants were aware of disease recurrence but not many other treatment consequences; change in bowel habit and impact on diet were common and had significant impact, yet many felt they had not received 'warning', considering it a gap in both information and support. Participants expressed preference to know about possible consequences early on and were willing to engage in education and support if offered. Information overload, timing of information provision and unequipped health care professionals were considered barriers to awareness.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Improvement in information provision, management of expectations and support around bowel function would facilitate patient self-empowerment and could improve holistic management of health and well-being after cancer.
authors.affiliation: Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, Samuel Fox House (Room 212), Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield, S5 7AU, UK.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.affiliation: Specialised Cancer Services, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS FT, Weston Park Hospital, Whitham Road, Sheffield, S10 2SJ, UK.
authors.forename: Diana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Greenfield
authors.affiliation: Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, Samuel Fox House (Room 212), Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield, S5 7AU, UK. Electronic address: j.thompson1@sheffield.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Joanne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Thompson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D036301:Qualitative Research; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D013997:Time Factors
keywords: Cancer care; Colorectal cancer; Late effects; Long term effects; Survivorship; Treatment consequences