Fear of Cancer Progression and Death Anxiety in Survivors of Advanced Colorectal Cancer: A Qualitative Study Exploring Coping Strategies and Quality of Life
Chloe Yi Shing Lim, Rebekah Laidsaar‐Powell, Jane Young, Michael J. Solomon, Daniel Steffens, Prunella Blinman, Scott O’Loughlin, Yuehan Zhang, Phyllis Butow, The advanced-CRC survivorship authorship group
Abstract
This study aimed to examine coping strategies used by advanced colorectal cancer (CRC-A) survivors to manage death anxiety and fear of cancer progression, and links between these strategies and quality of life (QoL), distress, and death acceptance. Qualitative semi-structured interviews of 38 CRC-A survivors (22 female) were analysed via framework analysis. QoL and distress were assessed through the FACT-C and Distress Thermometer. Eleven themes were identified and mapped to active avoidance (keeping busy and distracted), passive avoidance (hoping for a cure), active confrontation (managing negative emotions; reaching out to others; focusing on the present; staying resilient), meaning-making (redefining one’s identity; contributing to society; gaining perspective; remaining spiritual), and acceptance (accepting one’s situation). Active confrontation (specifically utilising informal support networks) and meaning-making appeared beneficial coping strategies; more research is needed to develop and evaluate interventions which increase CRC-A survivors’ use of these strategies to manage and cope with their death anxiety.