Coping process with fear of cancer recurrence among Thai colorectal cancer survivors

Abstract

To explain how the Thai colorectal cancer survivors coped with their fear of cancer recurrence and to generate the explanatory model that explained how the Thai colorectal cancer survivors performed the coping process for their fear of cancer recurrence. To meet the objectives of this study, the Grounded Theory was used as the research methodology. Data were collected by in-depth interviews, observations, and field notes that took place in the Outpatient Surgical Department, the Outpatient Radiotherapy Department of the selected hospital and home settings. The study of the experiences of twenty-two Thai colorectal cancer survivors explained the holistic view of the coping process of the fear of cancer recurrence. Data were analyzed by constant and comparative methods. The study generated the explanatory model "Living with Controllable Fear of Cancer Recurrence." The model was composed of six stages, which occurred consecutively. It began with recognizing fear, then the stage of obtaining information appeared, participants sought information about causes of cancer and how to prevent cancer recurrence, the information obtained influenced the stage of accepting self- responsibility, which was composed of self- reminding, and doing one's best. Then the stage of building physical strength occurred when the participants changed their habits, committed to modern medicine, used alternative medicine, and performed self-monitoring. Building physical strength and developing psychological strength occurred simultaneously. Psychological strength was composed of finding a psychological secure base, controlling thought, managing stress, and empowering self. Finally, the stage of decreasing fear occurred. This knowledge is expected to provide the direction to develop psychological care and promote a psychological healthier outlook on life for Thai colorectal cancer survivors. This knowledge can also be used to create counseling sessions. The ultimate goal is to aid Thai colorectal cancer survivors manage the impact of their fear of cancer recurrence and enhance their quality of life after colorectal cancer treatment is in the remission stage.