Understanding the Needs of Colorectal Cancer Patients during the Pre-diagnosis Phase

Patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) face a number of challenges leading up to diagnosis; however, research is limited regarding their specific needs during the pre-diagnosis period. A multicenter cross-sectional survey was conducted to elicit information about the CRC experience during the pre-diagnosis phase. Across the three sites, 104 eligible patients were approached, and 82 patients completed the survey, for a total response rate of 78.9 %. The needs most identified by participants during the pre-diagnosis period were informational (31.6 %) and emotional (20.3 %) needs; social needs were rated as the least important need for these patients (7 %). The majority (84.0 %) reported that these needs were met. Participants reported feeling shocked or overwhelmed on learning of their diagnosis (57.1 %) and high levels of anxiety during this time (40.0 %). The majority (77.9 %) of participants reported that they were not directed to any resources to help address their anxiety. Informational and emotional needs are identified as the most important needs during the pre-diagnosis phase, and for most these needs are being met; however, some participants are experiencing high levels of anxiety without access to appropriate resources. Further work is required to understand the optimal mechanisms to address identified needs during this pre-diagnosis period and to assess the potential benefits and costs of addressing these needs.