Top

Published in:

01-12-2019 | Breast Cancer | Review

A meta-review of qualitative research on adult cancer survivors: current strengths and evidence gaps

Authors: Rebekah Laidsaar-Powell, Stephanie Konings, Nicole Rankin, Bogda Koczwara, Emma Kemp, Carolyn Mazariego, Phyllis Butow

Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship | Issue 6/2019

Abstract

Purpose

The number of qualitative studies exploring cancer survivor experiences has significantly increased in recent years, with a large number of systematic reviews now published. This meta-review (systematic review of systematic reviews) aimed to assess the evidence base—summarising existing qualitative findings and identifying gaps for further research.

Methods

Systematic reviews published from 1950 to 2018 were identified via database searches (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO). Two authors assessed eligibility and extracted data. Review quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Systematic Reviews.

Results

A total of 1465 titles were retrieved, and 60 reviews were included in the final review. All included reviews were conducted between 1998 and 2018. Whilst many reviews included mixed cancer types (21), the majority included only one cancer type (breast (19), gynaecological (10), prostate (5), haematological (2), colorectal (1), bladder (1) and melanoma (1)). Reviews focused on several survivorship topic areas including quality of life, experiences of survivors from ethnic minorities, returning to work and experiences of survivorship healthcare services. Less frequently reviewed topics included fertility, body image, coping strategies and spirituality.

Conclusions

This meta-review provides insight into the areas of research density and paucity. Breast and gynaecological cancer survivors are strongly represented. Gaps in synthesis include reviews for other common cancers (e.g. lung, colorectal, melanoma, haematological) as well as survivorship topic areas such as side/late effects, psychological issues, financial toxicity and health behaviours.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Qualitative research into cancer survivor experiences can guide intervention development, as well as provide survivors with insight into the experiences and challenges faced by others with cancer.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Cancer in Australia 2017. In: AIHW, editor. Canberra. 2017.

Richardson A, Addington-Hall J, Amir Z, Foster C, Stark D, Armes J, et al. Knowledge, ignorance and priorities for research in key areas of cancer survivorship: findings from a scoping review. Br J Cancer. 2011;105(S1):S82–94.CrossRef

Koczwara B, editor. Cancer survivorship-lessons from around the globe. Cancer Forum; 2015: The Cancer Council Australia.

Edwards BK, Noone AM, Mariotto AB, Simard EP, Boscoe FP, Henley SJ, et al. Annual report to the nation on the status of cancer, 1975-2010, featuring prevalence of comorbidity and impact on survival among persons with lung, colorectal, breast, or prostate cancer. Cancer. 2014;120(9):1290–314.CrossRef

Harrop JP, Dean JA, Paskett ED. Cancer survivorship research: a review of the literature and summary of current NCI-designated cancer center projects. Cancer Epidemiol Prev Biomark. 2011;20(10):2042–7.CrossRef

Alfano CM, Rowland JH. Recovery issues in cancer survivorship: a new challenge for supportive care. Cancer J. 2006;12(5):432–43.CrossRef

Holloway I, Galvin K. Qualitative research in nursing and healthcare. John Wiley & Sons; 2016.

Smith V, Devane D, Begley CM, Clarke M. Methodology in conducting a systematic review of systematic reviews of healthcare interventions. BMC Med Res Methodol. 2011;11(1):15.CrossRef

Aromataris E, Fernandez R, Godfrey CM, Holly C, Khalil H, Tungpunkom P. Summarizing systematic reviews: methodological development, conduct and reporting of an umbrella review approach. Int J Evid Based Healthcare. 2015;13(3):132–40.CrossRef

10.

Abbott-Anderson K, Kwekkeboom KL. A systematic review of sexual concerns reported by gynecological cancer survivors. Gynecol Oncol. 2012;124(3):477–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2011.11.030.CrossRefPubMed

11.

Aerts L, Enzlin P, Vergote I, Verhaeghe J, Poppe W, Amant F. Sexual, psychological, and relational functioning in women after surgical treatment for vulvar malignancy: a literature review. J Sex Med. 2012;9(2):361–71. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02520.x.CrossRefPubMed

12.

Ahmed-Lecheheb D, Joly F. Ovarian cancer survivors’ quality of life: a systematic review. J Cancer Surviv. 2016;10(5):789–801. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-016-0525-8.CrossRefPubMed

13.

Bamidele O, McGarvey H, Lagan BM, Ali N, Chinegwundoh Mbe F, Parahoo K, et al. Life after prostate cancer: a systematic literature review and thematic synthesis of the post-treatment experiences of Black African and Black Caribbean men. Eur J Cancer Care. 2018;27(1):1. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecc.12784.CrossRef

14.

Banning M. Employment and breast cancer: a meta-ethnography. Eur J Cancer Care. 2011;20(6):708–19. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2354.2011.01291.x.CrossRef

15.

Barskova T, Oesterreich R. Post-traumatic growth in people living with a serious medical condition and its relations to physical and mental health: a systematic review. Disabil Rehabil. 2009;31(21):1709–33.CrossRef

16.

Bennion AE, Molassiotis A, Bennion AE, Molassiotis A. Qualitative research into the symptom experiences of adult cancer patients after treatments: a systematic review and meta-synthesis. Support Care Cancer. 2013;21(1):9–25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-012-1573-x.CrossRefPubMed

17.

Berian J, Cuddy A, Francescatti A, O'Dwyer L, Nancy You Y, Volk R, et al. A systematic review of patient perspectives on surveillance after colorectal cancer treatment. J Cancer Surviv. 2017;11(5):542–52. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-017-0623-2.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

18.

Ann Bettencourt B, Schlegel RJ, Talley AE, Molix LA. The breast cancer experience of rural women: a literature review. Psycho-Oncology. 2007;16(10):875–87.CrossRef

19.

Blows E, Bird L, Seymour J, Cox K. Liminality as a framework for understanding the experience of cancer survivorship: a literature review. J Adv Nurs. 2012;68(10):2155–64. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2012.05995.x.CrossRefPubMed

20.

Brandenbarg D, Berendsen AJ, de Bock GH. Patients' expectations and preferences regarding cancer follow-up care. Maturitas. 2017;105:58–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2017.07.001.CrossRefPubMed

21.

Bryant AL, Walton AL, Shaw-Kokot J, Mayer DK, Reeve BB. Patient-reported symptoms and quality of life in adults with acute leukemia: a systematic review. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2015;42(2):193. https://doi.org/10.1188/15.0NF.E91-E101.CrossRef

22.

Burke S, Wurz A, Bradshaw A, Saunders S, West MA, Brunet J. Physical activity and quality of life in cancer survivors: a meta-synthesis of qualitative research. Cancers. 2017;9(5) (no pagination)(53)). https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers9050053.CrossRef

23.

Campbell-Enns HJ, Woodgate RL. Young men with cancer: a literature review. Cancer Nurs. 2013;36(1):E36–47. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCC.0b013e31824e8c58.CrossRefPubMed

24.

Campbell-Enns HJ, Woodgate RL. The psychosocial experiences of women with breast cancer across the lifespan: a systematic review. Psycho-Oncology. 2017;26(11):1711–21. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.4281.CrossRefPubMed

25.

Cavanagh BM, Wakefield CE, McLoone JK, Garvey G, Cohn RJ. Cancer survivorship services for indigenous peoples: where we stand, where to improve? A systematic review. J Cancer Surviv. 2016;10(2):330–41. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-015-0479-2.CrossRefPubMed

26.

Coffey L, Mooney O, Dunne S, Sharp L, Timmons A, Desmond D, et al. Cancer survivors’ perspectives on adjustment-focused self-management interventions: a qualitative meta-synthesis. J Cancer Surviv Res Pract. 2016;10(6):1012–34.CrossRef

27.

Cook O, McIntyre M, Recoche K, Lee S. Experiences of gynecological cancer patients receiving care from specialist nurses: a qualitative systematic review. JBI Database Syst Rev Implement Rep. 2017;15(8):2087–112. https://doi.org/10.11124/JBISRIR-2016-003126.CrossRef

28.

Gotay CC, Muraoka MY. Quality of life in long-term survivors of adult-onset cancers. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1998;90(9):656–67.CrossRef

29.

Cox A, Lucas G, Marcu A, Piano M, Grosvenor W, Mold F, et al. Cancer survivors’ experience with telehealth: a systematic review and thematic synthesis. J Med Internet Res. 2017;19(1):e11. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.6575.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

30.

Duijts SFA, van Egmond MP, Spelten E, van Muijen P, Anema JR, van der Beek AJ. Physical and psychosocial problems in cancer survivors beyond return to work: a systematic review. Psycho-Oncology. 2014;23(5):481–92. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.3467.CrossRefPubMed

31.

Edmondson AJ, Birtwistle JC, Catto JWF, Twiddy M. The patients’ experience of a bladder cancer diagnosis: a systematic review of the qualitative evidence. J Cancer Surviv Res Pract. 2017;11(4):453–61. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-017-0603-6.CrossRef

32.

Foster C, Wright D, Hill H, Hopkinson J, Roffe L. Psychosocial implications of living 5 years or more following a cancer diagnosis: a systematic review of the research evidence. Eur J Cancer Care. 2009;18(3):223–47. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2354.2008.01001.x.CrossRef

33.

Fu MR, Kang Y. Psychosocial impact of living with cancer-related lymphedema. Semin Oncol Nurs. 2013;29(1):50–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.soncn.2012.11.007.CrossRef

34.

Gilbert E, Ussher JM, Perz J. Sexuality after gynaecological cancer: a review of the material, intrapsychic, and discursive aspects of treatment on women's sexual-wellbeing. Maturitas. 2011;70(1):42–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2011.06.013.CrossRefPubMed

35.

Goncalves V, Sehovic I, Quinn G. Childbearing attitudes and decisions of young breast cancer survivors: a systematic review. Hum Reprod Update. 2014;20(2):279–92. https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmt039.CrossRefPubMed

36.

Greidanus MA, de Boer AGEM, de Rijk AE, Tiedtke CM. Dierckx de Casterlé B, Frings-Dresen MHW et al. perceived employer-related barriers and facilitators for work participation of cancer survivors: a systematic review of employers' and survivors' perspectives. Psycho-Oncology. 2018;27(3):725–33. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.4514.CrossRefPubMed

37.

Guercio C, Mehta A. Predictors of Patient and Partner Satisfaction Following Radical Prostatectomy. Sex Med Rev. 2018;6(2):295–301. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2017.08.005.CrossRefPubMed

38.

Henneghan A. Modifiable factors and cognitive dysfunction in breast cancer survivors: a mixed-method systematic review. Support Care in Cancer. 2016;24(1):481–97. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-015-2927-y.CrossRef

39.

Hoekstra RA, Heins MJ, Korevaar JC. Health care needs of cancer survivors in general practice: a systematic review. BMC Fam Pract. 2014;15:94. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2296-15-94.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

40.

Hong Y, Pena-Purcell NC, Ory MG. Outcomes of online support and resources for cancer survivors: a systematic literature review. Patient Educ Couns. 2012;86(3):288–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2011.06.014.CrossRefPubMed

41.

Keesing S, McNamara B, Rosenwax L. Cancer survivors’ experiences of using survivorship care plans: a systematic review of qualitative studies. J Cancer Surviv. 2015;9(2):260–8. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-014-0407-x.CrossRefPubMed

42.

Lockwood-Rayermann S. Survivorship issues in ovarian cancer: a review. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2006;33(3):553–62. https://doi.org/10.1188/06.ONF.553-562.CrossRefPubMed

43.

Maguire R, Kotronoulas G, Simpson M, Paterson C. A systematic review of the supportive care needs of women living with and beyond cervical cancer. Gynecol Oncol. 2015;136(3):478–90. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2014.10.030.CrossRefPubMed

44.

Meiklejohn JA, Mimery A, Martin JH, Bailie R, Garvey G, Walpole ET, et al. The role of the GP in follow-up cancer care: a systematic literature review. J Cancer Surviv. 2016;10(6):990–1011.CrossRef

45.

Midtgaard J, Hammer NM, Andersen C, Larsen A, Bruun DM, Jarden M. Cancer survivors' experience of exercise-based cancer rehabilitation - a meta-synthesis of qualitative research. Acta Oncol. 2015;54(5):609–17. https://doi.org/10.3109/0284186X.2014.995777.CrossRefPubMed

46.

Mollica M, Newman SD. Breast cancer in African Americans: from patient to survivor. J Transcult Nurs. 2014;25(4):334–40. https://doi.org/10.1177/1043659614524248.CrossRefPubMed

47.

Nolan TS, Frank J, Gisiger-Camata S, Meneses K. An Integrative Review of Psychosocial Concerns among Young African American Breast Cancer Survivors. Cancer Nurs. 2018;41(2):139–55. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCC.0000000000000477.CrossRefPubMed

48.

Ozga M, Aghajanian C, Myers-Virtue S, McDonnell G, Jhanwar S, Hichenberg S, et al. A systematic review of ovarian cancer and fear of recurrence. Palliat Support Care. 2015;13(6):1771–80. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951515000127.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

49.

Paterson C, Jones M, Rattray J, Lauder W. Identifying the self-management behaviours performed by prostate cancer survivors: a systematic review of the evidence. J Res Nurs. 2015;20(2):96–111. https://doi.org/10.1177/1744987114523976.CrossRef

50.

Powe BD, Hamilton J, Hancock N, Johnson N, Finnie R, Ko J, et al. Quality of life of African American cancer survivors: a review of the literature. Cancer. 2007;109(Suppl2):435–45. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.22358.CrossRefPubMed

51.

Raphael D, Frey R, Gott M. Psychosocial distress in haematological cancer survivors: An integrative review. Eur J Cancer Care. 2017;26(6):n/a-n/a. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecc.12640.CrossRef

52.

Roland KB, Rodriguez JL, Patterson JR, Trivers KF. A literature review of the social and psychological needs of ovarian cancer survivors. Psycho-Oncology. 2013;22(11):2408–18. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.3322.CrossRefPubMed

53.

Russell KM, Von Ah DM, Giesler RB, Storniolo AM, Haase JE. Quality of life of African American breast cancer survivors: how much do we know? Cancer Nurs. 2008;31(6):E36–45.CrossRef

54.

Rychetnik L, McCaffery K, Morton R, Irwig L. Psychosocial aspects of post-treatment follow-up for stage I/II melanoma: a systematic review of the literature. Psycho-Oncology. 2013;22(4):721–36. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.3060.CrossRefPubMed

55.

Selamat MH, Loh SY, Mackenzie L, Vardy J. Chemobrain experienced by breast cancer survivors: a meta-ethnography study investigating research and care implications. PLoS ONE. 2014;9 (9) (no pagination)(e108002). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0108002.CrossRef

56.

Sleight A. Coping with cancer-related cognitive dysfunction: a scoping review of the literature. Disabil Rehabil Int Multidiscip J. 2016;38(4):400–8. https://doi.org/10.3109/09638288.2015.1038364.CrossRef

57.

Spendelow JS, Eli Joubert H, Lee H, Fairhurst BR. Coping and adjustment in men with prostate cancer: a systematic review of qualitative studies. J Cancer Surviv. 2018;12(2):155–68. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-017-0654-8.CrossRefPubMed

58.

Stergiou-Kita M, Grigorovich A, Tseung V, Milosevic E, Hebert D, Phan S, et al. Qualitative meta-synthesis of survivors' work experiences and the development of strategies to facilitate return to work. J Cancer Surviv Res Pract. 2014;8(4):657–70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-014-0377-z.CrossRef

59.

Sun L, Ang E, Ang WHD, Lopez V. Losing the breast: a meta-synthesis of the impact in women breast cancer survivors. Psycho-Oncology. 2018;27(2):376–85. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.4460.CrossRefPubMed

60.

Tiedtke C, de Rijk A, Dierckx de Casterlé B, Christiaens MR, Donceel P. Experiences and concerns about 'returning to work' for women breast cancer survivors: a literature review. Psycho-Oncology. 2010;19(7):677–83. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.1633.CrossRefPubMed

61.

Tucker SR, Speer SA, Peters S. Development of an explanatory model of sexual intimacy following treatment for localised prostate cancer: a systematic review and meta-synthesis of qualitative evidence. Soc Sci Med. 2016;163:80–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.07.001.CrossRefPubMed

62.

Vivar CG, McQueen A. Informational and emotional needs of long-term survivors of breast cancer. J Adv Nurs. 2005;51(5):520–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2005.03524.x.CrossRefPubMed

63.

Vivar CG, Canga N, Canga AD, Arantzamendi M. The psychosocial impact of recurrence on cancer survivors and family members: a narrative review. J Adv Nurs. 2009;65(4):724–36. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2648.2008.04939.x.CrossRefPubMed

64.

Wells M, Williams B, Firnigl D, Lang H, Coyle J, Kroll T, et al. Supporting 'work-related goals' rather than 'return to work' after cancer? A systematic review and meta-synthesis of 25 qualitative studies. Psycho-Oncology. 2013;22(6):1208–19. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.3148.CrossRefPubMed

65.

Wen KY, Fang CY, Ma GX. Breast cancer experience and survivorship among Asian Americans: a systematic review. J Cancer Surviv. 2014;8(1):94–107. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-013-0320-8.CrossRefPubMed

66.

Wu HS, Harden JK. Symptom Burden and quality of life in survivorship: a review of the literature. Cancer Nurs. 2015;38(1):E29–54. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCC.0000000000000135.CrossRefPubMed

67.

Yoon H, Chatters L, Kao TS, Saint-Arnault D, Northouse L. Factors affecting quality of life for Korean American cancer survivors: an integrative review. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2016;43(3):E132–E42. https://doi.org/10.1188/16.ONF.E132-E142.CrossRefPubMedPubMedCentral

68.

Zeng YC, Ching SSY, Loke AY. Quality of life in cervical Cancer survivors: a review of the literature and directions for future research. Oncol Nurs Forum. 2011;38(2):E107–17. https://doi.org/10.1188/11.ONF.E107-E117.CrossRefPubMed

69.

Zomkowski K, Cruz de Souza B, Pinheiro da Silva F, Moreira GM, de Souza Cunha N, Sperandio FF. Physical symptoms and working performance in female breast cancer survivors: a systematic review. Disabil Rehabil. 2018;40(13):1485–93. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2017.1300950.CrossRefPubMed

70.

Hsieh H-F, Shannon SE. Three approaches to qualitative content analysis. Qual Health Res. 2005;15(9):1277–88.CrossRef

71.

Lim C, Laidsaar-Powell R, Butow P. Qualitative experiences of colorectal cancer survivors: a systematic review. PROSPERO: International prospective register of systematic reviews. 2019. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=131576.

72.

Jacobsen PB, Rowland JH, Paskett ED, Van Leeuwen F, Moskowitz C, Katta S, et al. Identification of key gaps in Cancer survivorship research: findings from the American Society of Clinical Oncology survey. J Oncol Pract. 2016;12(3):190–3.CrossRef

73.

Fallowfield L, Jenkins V. Psychosocial/survivorship issues in breast cancer: are we doing better? J Natl Cancer Inst. 2015;107(1).CrossRef

74.

Bell K. The breast-cancer-ization of cancer survivorship: implications for experiences of the disease. Soc Sci Med. 2014;110:56–63.CrossRef

75.

Welfare AIoHa. Cancer in Australia 2019. Canberra, Australia 2019.

76.

Australia C. National Cancer Control Indicators. 2019. https://ncci.canceraustralia.gov.au/.

77.

Australian Bureau of Statistics. Cultural diversity in Australia 2016. In: Statistics ABo, editor. Canberra. 2017.

78.

Goldstein D, Bell ML, Butow P, Sze M, Vaccaro L, Dong S, et al. Immigrants' perceptions of the quality of their cancer care: an Australian comparative study, identifying potentially modifiable factors. Ann Oncol. 2014;25(8):1643–9.CrossRef

79.

Lagergren P, Schandl A, Aaronson NK, Adami HO, de Lorenzo F, Denis L, et al. Cancer survivorship: an integral part of Europe's research agenda. Mol Oncol. 2019;13(3):624–35.PubMedPubMedCentral

Title: A meta-review of qualitative research on adult cancer survivors: current strengths and evidence gaps
Authors: Rebekah Laidsaar-Powell
Stephanie Konings
Nicole Rankin
Bogda Koczwara
Emma Kemp
Carolyn Mazariego
Phyllis Butow
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer
Published in: Journal of Cancer Survivorship / Issue 6/2019
Print ISSN: 1932-2259
Electronic ISSN: 1932-2267
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-019-00803-8

Webinar | 19-02-2024 | 17:30 (CET)

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on antibody–drug conjugates in cancer

Watch now

Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are novel agents that have shown promise across multiple tumor types. Explore the current landscape of ADCs in breast and lung cancer with our experts, and gain insights into the mechanism of action, key clinical trials data, existing challenges, and future directions.

Dr. Véronique Diéras

Prof. Fabrice Barlesi

Developed by: Springer Medicine

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on sleep in brain health

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Please log in to get access to this content

Other articles of this Issue 6/2019

Posttraumatic stress as a contributor to behavioral health outcomes and healthcare utilization in adult survivors of childhood cancer: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study

Colorectal cancer survivors only marginally change their overall lifestyle in the first 2 years following diagnosis

Social attainment in survivors of pediatric central nervous system tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis from the Children’s Oncology Group

Correction to: Cancer survivors who fully participate in the PROFILES registry have better health-related quality of life than those who drop out

Influenza vaccination in caregivers of childhood cancer survivors

Patient-clinician interactions and disparities in breast cancer care: the equality in breast cancer care study

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on antibody–drug conjugates in cancer