Surviving Colorectal Cancer

• DOI: 10.1097/won.0b013e3182750143
• Publication Date: 2012-12-06T08:38:02Z
• Authors: Virginia Sun; Marcia Grant; Carmit K. McMullen; Andrea Altschuler; M. Jane Mohler; Mark C. Hornbrook; Lisa J. Herrinton; Carol M. Baldwin; Robert S. Krouse
• Keywords: Male; Ostomy; Focus Groups; Middle Aged; 3. Good health; Self Care; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Adaptation, Psychological; Body Image; Quality of Life; Humans; Female; Survivors; Colorectal Neoplasms; Life Style; Aged

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article was to describe persistent ostomy-specific concerns and adaptations in long-term (>5 years) colorectal cancer survivors with ostomies. SUBJECTS AND SETTINGS: Thirty-three who participated 8 gender- health-related quality life stratified focus groups 130 provided written comments 2 open-ended questions on ostomy location pouch problems the study. Data were collected health maintenance organization members Oregon, southwestern Washington, northern California. METHODS: Qualitative data analyzed for from survey questions. Discussions focu s recorded, transcribed, using content analysis. Written derived a mailed questionnaire ostomies RESULTS: related ostomy-related issues more than 5 years after formation common. Persistent focused clothing restrictions adaptations, dietary concerns, equipment self-care, constant need find solutions adjust readjust living an ostomy. CONCLUSIONS: Ostomy-specific persist initial formation. Adaptations tend be individualized based trial error. Findings underscore develop support mechanisms that can access promote better coping adjustment