Aim: Prevalence of high levels of distress have been widely reported in adults newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Resilience is a term to describe individuals’ adaptation process when facing significant adversity. The aim of this study was to explore factors that affect colorectal cancer patients’ resilience in the context of their illness.
Method: Qualitative, semi-structured interviews with patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer were undertaken until data saturation. Individuals at the age of eighteen or above, whose goal of treatment is cure, and within six months of completing treatment, were included. A total of 10 colorectal cancer patients were recruited. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis approach.
Preliminary results: Three main factors were identified from participants’ experience of resilience: (1) personality traits; (2) social support; (3) experience of traumatic events. Personality traits were reflected through sense of control to current situation, self-efficacy, and determination to get through difficult times. Social support could be obtained from a variety of sources, such as peers, family, and community. Experience of traumatic events was considered as a significant factor that shape an individual’ coping pattern.
Conclusions: Health professionals may facilitate resilience of colorectal cancer patients by improving social support. Further investigation is needed into explore effective pathways of social support.