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Journal of Cancer Survivorship
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship 1/2015

Open Access 01-03-2015

Cancer survivors’ self-efficacy to self-manage in the year following primary treatment

Authors: C. Foster, M. Breckons, P. Cotterell, D. Barbosa, L. Calman, J. Corner, D. Fenlon, R. Foster, C. Grimmett, A. Richardson, P. W. Smith

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Purpose

Cancer survivors are increasingly expected to manage the consequences of cancer and its treatment for themselves. There is evidence that self-efficacy is important for successful self-management and that this can be enhanced with support. The purpose of this study was to assess self-efficacy to manage problems in the year following primary treatment.

Methods

This cross-sectional online survey included cancer survivors who had completed their treatment within the past 12 months. Self-efficacy was assessed and variables expected to be associated with self-efficacy were measured using validated scales including quality of life, well-being, illness perceptions, depression and social support.

Results

One hundred eighty-two respondents (mean age 50; 81 % female) completed the survey. They had been treated for a range of cancers; most commonly breast (45 %). Self-efficacy scores varied between individuals and according to the illness-related task to be managed. Respondents were least confident in managing fatigue and most confident in accessing information about their cancer. Individuals most likely to report low self-efficacy were women, those experiencing higher levels of pain and/or depression, lower well-being scores, lower socio-economic status, low levels of social support, or a more negative perception of cancer.

Conclusions

Self-efficacy to self-manage problems faced as a consequence of cancer and its treatment can vary widely in the year following treatment. Fatigue may be particularly difficult to manage.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Variations in self-efficacy highlight the importance of assessing specific problems faced and people’s confidence to manage them in order to tailor appropriate self-management support.
Footnotes
1
Mean score for the six items of the original Self-Efficacy for Managing Chronic Disease 6-item Scale was 6.34 (SD 2.05)
 
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Metadata
Title
Cancer survivors’ self-efficacy to self-manage in the year following primary treatment
Authors
C. Foster
M. Breckons
P. Cotterell
D. Barbosa
L. Calman
J. Corner
D. Fenlon
R. Foster
C. Grimmett
A. Richardson
P. W. Smith
Publication date
01-03-2015
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 1/2015
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-014-0384-0

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