Journal article
Experiences of colorectal cancer patients in Australia: a qualitative study on specialised nursing and supportive care
Supportive Care in Cancer, Vol.34(2), pp.1-10
2026
PMID: 41606401
Abstract
Background
Colorectal cancer (CC) is the third most common cancer globally. Despite advances in treatment, patients often experience long-term psychological, physical, and social challenges during and after treatment. Specialised cancer care, including the role of cancer nurses, is critical in supporting patients throughout their treatment journey.
Aims
This study aimed to explore the experiences of CC patients in Australia in navigating the healthcare system, coping with their diagnosis, and receiving support from specialised cancer nurses and support networks.
Method
An exploratory qualitative design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine CC patients (seven females, two males), aged 34–72 years. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results
Four overarching themes emerged. First, challenges navigating the healthcare system, identified participants’ frustrations with delays, miscommunication, and fragmented care. Second, emotional impact of a CC diagnosis and treatment, captured the shock, fear, and isolation experienced, particularly following sudden diagnoses. Third, value of specialised cancer nurses and support networks, highlighted the emotional reassurance and practical guidance provided by community-based nurses and support services. Fourth, physical and mental coping strategies included participants’ use of mindfulness, physical activity, and dietary changes to regain a sense of control.
Conclusion
Specialised cancer nurses played a crucial role in enhancing patient care by addressing both medical and emotional needs. Improving communication, ensuring continuity of care, and providing personalised support are key recommendations for improving the healthcare experience of CC patients in Australia.
Details
- Title
- Experiences of colorectal cancer patients in Australia: a qualitative study on specialised nursing and supportive care
- Authors
- Karina T Rune - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Health - PsychologyJared Ardern - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of HealthCindy Davis - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Law and Society
- Publication details
- Supportive Care in Cancer, Vol.34(2), pp.1-10
- Publisher
- Springer
- Date published
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00520-026-10333-6
- ISSN
- 1433-7339
- PMID
- 41606401
- Copyright note
- This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.
- Data Availability
- No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.
- Organisation Unit
- Healthy Ageing Research Cluster; School of Health; Cancer Research Cluster; School of Health - Psychology; School of Law and Society
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991204081402621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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