The cost of survival: Understanding colorectal cancer survivors’ quality of life

Lead Researcher:

Ms Amanda Drury

Award Date:

31 December 2014

Host Institution:

Trinity College Dublin

Scheme:

Research Training Fellowships for Healthcare Professionals

Summary:

The lives of people who have completed treatment for colorectal cancer may be affected by physical and psychological disabilities, caused by surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. For those who are cured, their quality of life may be adversely affected by side-effects such as fatigue, pain, sensory neuropathy, sexual dysfunction, depression and anxiety. Furthermore, many survivors live with the fear of their cancer returning. Individuals with incurable colorectal cancer may live with the same life-limiting disabilities in addition to the acute side-effects of life-prolonging treatments they continue to receive.