Types of Social Support That Colorectal Cancer Survivors Need by Treatment Phase

Abstract

BackgroundEvaluating the needs of colorectal cancer survivors is critical for developing and providing effective supportive services; however, little is known about the specific needs of the survivors.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the types of social support that colorectal cancer survivors need at each treatment phase.MethodsData were extracted using text-mining analysis from posts on an online self-help group for colorectal cancer survivors in Korea from 2011 to 2020. Classification analysis was performed based on the frequency of terms posted, and word clouds were created.ResultsIn the pretreatment phase, support for pain and diagnostic testing were needed. In the treatment phase, needing support for colorectal cancer treatment and managing subsequent adverse events were frequently mentioned. In the posttreatment phase, informational interventions providing information on adjusting to changes in bowel functions and preventing cancer recurrence were needed.ConclusionsThere were differences in the types of social support and the number of words frequently used across phases of treatment, highlighting the need for phase-specific supportive interventions. The highest identified needs, including colorectal cancer treatment and adverse events in the treatment phase, suggest that colorectal cancer survivors need additional information about treatment within the healthcare system.Implications for PracticeColorectal cancer survivors have specific needs that vary by their treatment stage. Supportive services that reflect the needs of each treatment phase are needed to improve the physical and mental health and quality of life of colorectal cancer survivors.