Subjective Well-being in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Colorectal Cancer: An Observational Study

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Psychosocial Oncology
• Patient Well-being

Background:

• Colorectal cancer is a prevalent malignancy with improving survival rates.
• Despite treatment advances, patients face unpredictable life changes impacting well-being.
• Subjective well-being is crucial for cancer survivors' quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine temporal changes in subjective well-being post-diagnosis.
• To identify factors influencing well-being in colorectal cancer patients.
• To inform supportive care strategies for cancer survivors.

Main Methods:

• Observational longitudinal study of 117 newly diagnosed colorectal cancer patients.
• Data collected via questionnaires before surgery and at 1 and 6 months post-surgery.
• Assessed demographic, disease, symptom, uncertainty, coping, and well-being variables.

Main Results:

• Subjective well-being decreased at 1 month but increased by 6 months post-surgery.
• High symptom distress and disease uncertainty correlated with lower well-being.
• Less approach coping and more avoidance coping were linked to diminished well-being.

Conclusions:

• Low symptom distress, perceived control, and effective coping enhance patient well-being.
• Nurses can mitigate uncertainty and support coping strategies.
• Interventions targeting symptom distress and promoting approach coping are vital for improving patient outcomes.