Quality of life after Rectal Cancer Treatment

Summary

We want to understand patient's experiences, perspectives and preference with locally advanced rectal cancer treatment in Alberta. Our study looks at patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (stage II/III), who are often treated first with chemotherapy and radiation, in what is called "total neoadjuvant treatment" or "TNT".

After TNT patients either receive surgery, or select patients undergo a non operative "watch and wait" strategy. Our study looks at the quality of life perspective. We want to know from patients how their experience was, and what their priorities and perceptions are. In addition, we want to understand how the treatment impacts their quality of life, and their bowel, bladder and sexual function.

We are doing online one-on-one interviews for patients to be able to provide the patient perspective on their treatment experience and side effects.