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Systematic review and meta-analysis identifies factors influencing quality of life in colorectal cancer survivorsSocial support and resilience boost quality of life for colorectal cancer survivors

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Key Takeaway
Consider that psychological distress, depression, fatigue, and symptom burden are negatively associated with quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors.

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined factors influencing quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors. The review synthesized evidence on physical, psychological, and social factors. The sample size and setting were not reported.

Key findings showed negative associations with quality of life for fatigue (effect size -0.567), symptom experiences (-0.474), psychological distress (-0.737), and depression (-0.590). Positive associations were found for self-efficacy (0.640), resilience (0.439), body image (0.412), and social support (0.381). Confidence intervals and p-values were not reported.

The authors did not report limitations or certainty of evidence. As a meta-analysis of observational associations, causal conclusions cannot be drawn. The absence of reported confidence intervals limits the precision of effect estimates.

Clinicians should recognize these factors as potentially relevant to quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors, but the evidence is associative and may be subject to confounding. Further research with rigorous designs is needed to inform interventions.

This systematic review and meta-analysis looked at factors influencing quality of life among colorectal cancer survivors. The study combined data from multiple sources to examine how physical, psychological, and social factors relate to patient well-being. The researchers did not report a specific sample size or follow-up duration for the combined data.

The analysis showed clear links between certain factors and quality of life. Positive associations were found with self-efficacy, resilience, body image, and social support. Conversely, fatigue, symptom experiences, psychological distress, and depression were linked to lower quality of life scores. These results suggest that supportive environments and strong personal coping skills matter for daily life after cancer treatment.

No safety concerns were reported because the study focused on quality of life rather than drug treatments or medical procedures. The findings are based on statistical associations rather than direct proof of cause and effect. Readers should understand that these results describe patterns seen across many studies but do not guarantee individual outcomes. This information helps highlight the importance of addressing social and emotional needs in cancer care.

What this means for you:
Social support and resilience are linked to better quality of life in colorectal cancer survivors.

Study Details

Study typeMeta analysis
EvidenceLevel 1
PublishedMay 2026
View Original Abstract ↓
AIMS: To evaluate the effect sizes of factors influencing quality of life among colorectal cancer survivors. DESIGN: This study was a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: This study was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Ten international and Korean databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, SCOPUS, were searched from January 2000 to October 2024. Methodological quality was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist. Effect sizes (Esr) were calculated using Fisher's Z transformation. Publication bias was evaluated using Egger's test, funnel plots, and trim-and-fill methods. RESULTS: Physical factors included fatigue (ESr -0.567) and symptom experiences (ESr -0.474). Psychological distress showed the strongest negative association (ESr -0.737), followed by depression (ESr -0.590). Self-efficacy (ESr 0.640), resilience (ESr 0.439), and body image (ESr 0.412) demonstrated positive associations. Social support was positively associated (ESr 0.381). CONCLUSION: Quality of life among colorectal cancer survivors is associated with physical, psychological, and social factors including fatigue, symptoms, distress, depression, self-efficacy, resilience, body image, and social support. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public involvement in this systematic review and meta-analysis.
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