Vicki Cheng, Helen McTaggart-Cowan, Jonathan M Loree, Rachel A Murphy, Mikaela Barnes, Haydn Bechthold, Norman Jansen, Mary A De Vera
BACKGROUND: With the burden of colorectal cancer in Canada, there is a need to address the psycho-oncologic challenges, including mental health. This study aims to explore the lived mental health experiences in patients with CRC across the phases of the CRC care continuum.
METHODS: We employed a patient-oriented constructivist grounded theory design and recruited English speaking participants ���18���years, diagnosed with CRC within the last 10���years, residing in Canada. We collected data through semi-structured individual interviews using a guide co-constructed with patient research partners. Data collection and analysis were iterative, employed theoretical sampling, and culminated in a theoretical model.
RESULTS: Twenty-eight participants diagnosed with CRC (18 females, 10 males), aged 18-63���years at time of diagnosis were interviewed, with representation across all CRC stages. There were 10 participants (36%) in treatment, 12 participants (43%) in follow-up, and 6 participants (21%) in the beyond phase. We constructed a patient-oriented theory illustrating the dynamic nature between one's self-identity and their mental health experiences across the CRC care continuum. Mental health experiences encompass emotional and cognitive-behavioral responses, expressed differently across phases. Mental health care experiences are also shaped by barriers, facilitators, and individual contextual factors, all of which influence their access to care.
CONCLUSION: Our theory provides insight into the mental health experiences of patients with CRC across phases of the CRC care continuum. Understanding patients' emotional and cognitive-behavioral responses and care experiences can help identify opportunities to integrate mental health into CRC care.
