Transition, obligations and isolation: A qualitative exploration of psychosocial challenges in working-age colorectal cancer patients

Abstract Objective: To understand the experiences of psychosocial challenges encountered by working-age colorectal cancer (CRC) patients during their cancer trajectory. Methods: This study was carried out using the phenomenological analysis method. From January to February 2022, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 working-age CRC patients in Guangzhou, China. Thematic analysis was performed using the NVivo 12 software based on the seven steps of Colaizzi's method. This study reporting followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) checklist. Results: The average age of participants was 40.32 years old at the time of interviews. Three overarching themes emerged: (1) Unexpected transition to the sick role; (2) Unfulfilled familial obligations; (3) Experiencing isolation; and eight subthemes were identified. Conclusion: Working-age CRC patients need and long for returning to normality to fulfill their life roles, however, road ahead is arduous, as they struggle with negative emotions originated from transition to the sick role, unfulfilled familial obligations and perceive isolation from healthy peers and career during their cancer journey. Therefore, multifaceted psychosocial interventions aimed at improving psychological wellbeing are suggested to be delivered to the population. Furthermore, it is suggested to encourage patients to utilize available social support resources, so as to minimize the negative impacts of psychosocial problems on their return to normality.