Chronic disease management perspectives of colorectal cancer survivors using the Veterans Affairs healthcare system: a qualitative analysis

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  • Zullig, Leah L
    • Other Affiliation: Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA
  • Goldstein, Karen M
    • Other Affiliation: Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA
  • Bosworth, Hayden B
    • Other Affiliation: Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, USA
  • Andrews, Sara M
    • Other Affiliation: Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, USA
  • Danus, Susanne
    • Other Affiliation: Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, USA
  • Jackson, George L
    • Other Affiliation: Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA
  • Provenzale, Dawn
    • Other Affiliation: Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, USA; Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, USA; Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center-Durham, Durham, USA
  • Weinberger, Morris
    • Affiliation: Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management
    • Other Affiliation: Center for Health Services Research in Primary Care, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, USA
  • Kelley, Michael J
    • Other Affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington, USA; Hematology-Oncology Service, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, USA
  • Voils, Corrine I
    • Other Affiliation: William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA
Abstract
  • Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US. CRC survivors may have complex healthcare needs requiring care from both specialists and primary care. Our objective was to understand how CRC survivors perceive their survivorship care, especially management of their cardiovascular-related chronic diseases. Methods We identified patients diagnosed with non-metastatic CRC between 10/1/2007 and 12/31/2015 at Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in North Carolina or Virginia. In 2016, we conducted telephone-based, semi-structured interviews to assess survivors’ experiences with cancer survivorship and changes in health priorities. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was reached. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded. Results The 25 participants were, on average, 64 years old and approximately 4 years post-CRC diagnosis at the time of interview; most were white (60%), male (92%), and diagnosed with colon cancer (64%) as opposed to rectal cancer. CRC survivors reported: (1) a shift in focus from surviving cancer to reducing cardiovascular disease risk (e.g., by managing weight); (2) challenges with taking medications for CVD-related conditions; (3) new recognition of the importance of engaging with primary care providers. Conclusions Experiences with cancer shapes how survivors view their health. Management of cardiovascular-related chronic disease is important to veteran CRC survivors. There is a need to deliver cardiovascular disease risk reduction programs tailored for CRC survivors.
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  • In Copyright
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  • The Author(s).
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  • English
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  • BMC Health Services Research. 2018 Mar 09;18(1):171
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  • BioMed Central

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