The level of cancer-related concerns and affecting factors in Turkish cancer survivors: A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

To examine and compare the level of cancer-related concerns and affecting factors between cancer survivors who completed their treatment and those still receiving treatment. The study has a cross-sectional comparative design. Convenience sampling was used and the study included 350 Turkish cancer survivors. Data were collected between March and June 2022 online with a descriptive characteristics form and the Assessment of Survivor Concerns. Obtained data were analysed with numbers, percentages, mean values, t-test and multiple linear regression analysis. The cancer survivors who completed their treatment had a significantly higher level of concerns than those who were still on treatment. Female cancer survivors, cancer survivors with less than 5-year time elapsing after diagnosis and gynaecological cancer survivors with completed cancer treatment can also have a higher level of cancer-related concerns. Cancer survivors who have completed their treatment have a higher level of concerns than those who still receive treatment. Gender, time elapsing after diagnosis and type of cancer affect the level of concerns. Nurses should evaluate psychosocial care and needs of cancer survivors in addition to their physical care. Raising awareness about the concerns of the cancer survivors with completed treatment in addition to those still receiving treatment and providing holistic care to them can reduce their concerns. It is of great importance to be aware of the factors likely to increase cancer-related concerns during and after cancer treatment. This study identifies cancer-related concerns in cancer survivors who completed or were still receiving treatment and provides a comparison with other studies in the literature. We have adhered to STROBE statement using STROBE checklist for cross-sectional studies. There was no patient or public involvement.