Depression and capacity to manage problems associated with recovery in patients with colorectal cancer

This study investigated the predictors of recovery of patients with colorectal cancer two years after surgery. Researchers reported that depression and capacity to manage problems before surgery are associated with health and well-being in recovery two years after surgery. 

The support a cancer patients receives throughout the cancer process is highly associated with recovery. Prior studies have shown that the capacity to manage problems and symptoms related to cancer is very important to recovery. However, these studies did not investigate the impact of cancer treatment on the patients. These studies also did not describe how to identify poor recovery risk patients so they could be better supported.

The objective of this study was to investigate the health and well-being during recovery two years after surgery. This study also assessed risk factors for poor recovery so the patients can be better supported.

This study included 857 colorectal cancer patients awaiting surgery. These patients provided information by questionnaires before surgery and then 3, 9, 15 and 24 months after surgery.

Lower ability to manage disease-related problems and higher levels of depression prior to surgery were associated with poorer recovery rates. These patients reported consistently lower quality of life, health, and well-being than patients who were not depressed and were better able to handle problems.

This study determined that a lower ability to manage problems related to cancer and higher levels of depression are associated with a poorer recovery.