Exploring the experiences of patients treated for anal cancer
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the expereinces of patients treated with chemo-radiation treatment for anal cancer in the first 2 years
IRAS ID
170597
Contact name
Gillian Knowles
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Research and Development Department
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Cancer of the anus accounts for approximately 2% of all cancers of the large bowel (Parkin et al 2002; ISD 2012). The incidence of anal cancer has more than doubled over the last 3 decades and is continuing to increase both in the general population and in high-risk groups (James et al 2009). Recent results from a large randomised trial of chemo/radiation conducted in anal cancer reports complete response rates of 95% and recurrence-free survival of 75% at 3 years (James et al 2009). This is encouraging and with increasing survival comes a growing interest to evaluate the late consequences of sphincter-saving treatment and the potential impact on quality of life. This is particularly important in anal cancer because of the highly sensitive nature of the disease and the stigma that can be attached. However it is a tumour group where there is a limited evidence-base about recovery following combined chemo-radiation treatment. There have been a number of small-scale cohort studies to suggest that patients can experience ongoing distressing symptoms such as diarrhoea, faecal leakage, incontinence and poorer sexual function for many years after treatment (Allal et al 1999; Jephcott et al 2004; Das 2008; Das et al 2010; Provencher et al 2010; Welzel et al 2011; Bentzen AG et al 2013). These symptoms have the potential to significantly impact on general daily living, relationships and ability to return to work. Therefore learning more about how people experience the consequences of anal cancer in their daily lives, in the context of their family, work and social environment is important..
This qualitative study aims to explore the experiences, self-management challenges and strategies of patients following treatment for anal cancer. The findings will be used to identify a number of adaptive strategies and to inform the development of tailored and effective interventions
REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
15/SS/0021
Date of REC Opinion
4 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion