Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in Canada. Through more aggressive treatments and earlier diagnosis, more people are living after a diagnosis of CRC. CRC and treatments, can have negative long-term effects including poor quality of life, changes to physical health (fatigue, bowel changes, poor sleep, poor physical functioning) and changes to mental health (fear of recurrence, anxiety, depression, social isolation). CRC patients also need to navigate the health system for ongoing follow-up. Current models of care focus on detection of disease recurrence lack a holistic and coordinated approach. Chronic disease models of care, including self-management strategies, although successful in other populations have not been widely adopted in cancer. Self-management can empower and enable patients to maintain their health and wellness and understand how to navigate the system. The aim of this research is to examine health outcomes and health needs of CRC survivors to inform the development of a self-management program. The research has three objectives. 1. To use Alberta Health administrative databases to evaluate patient-reported and clinical outcomes in CRC patients. 2. To evaluate the efficacy of cancer self-management interventions. 3. To explore CRC patients' and clinicians' perspectives on health care needs and self-management. This study is significant because its addresses a gap in the care currently provided to CRC patients and will provide novel information on effective strategies for CRC patient care. Information from this research will inform the development of a self-management program for CRC patients tailored to their unique needs. With numbers of CRC patients expected to increase, and diminishing health care resources, optimal wellness may be realized through patients managing their own health and understanding how to navigate the system.