Long-term recovery after colorectal cancer surgery among the old: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background Colorectal cancer is the third most frequently diagnosed cancer worldwide, disproportionally affecting older people. With modern treatment, older people are surviving cancer treatment and recovery. However, only a limited number of studies on the older person’s experience of recovery exist. Knowledge of the experience of recovery among people 80 years or older is essential to optimize recovery and follow-up care.

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of persons 80 years or older during recovery up to 2 years after curative colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods This exploratory inductive qualitative study was conducted through 18 individual in-depth interviews between July 2020 and June 2021. Content analysis was used to analyze the data.

Results The main theme identified was Recovery among the old is a complex process. It indicated that older people operated on for colorectal cancer may have intricate health challenges that affect recovery in addition to their cancer and treatment. The main theme is built upon the subthemes Individual factors affect colorectal cancer recovery and External support systems facilitate and impede colorectal recovery.

Conclusion Important resources for recovery among old patients included their own coping ability and support from social networks and healthcare services. The identified barriers to recovery included other health problems and issues with healthcare services delivery.

Implications for Practice It is essential for healthcare personnel in contact with older patients to be aware of factors that influence their recovery to identify and preserve the older person’s resources and implement health-promoting initiatives to optimize recovery when needed.