Evaluation of the psychosocial needs of post-radiotherapy rectal cancer survivors and their caregivers in Hong Kong

Background/Objectives: Rectal cancer radiotherapy often causes long-term adverse effects impacting patients and caregivers. Psychosocial needs specific to this population, particularly within Hong Kong's unique context, remain understudied. This study aims to investigate the psychosocial needs of rectal cancer patients and caregivers before and after radiotherapy. Methods: This study was a prospective observational study. Rectal cancer patients with radiotherapy and their direct caregivers were recruited from [a hospital], Hong Kong from 2022 to 2023. Psychosocial needs and quality of life were assessed using validated questionnaires: the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer core and colorectal modules for patients, and the CareGiver Oncology Quality of Life questionnaire for caregivers, administered at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months post-radiotherapy. Results: Twenty-four subjects including 13 patients and 11 caregivers were recruited. The mean age of patients and caregivers were 66.3 ± 12.7 years old and 49.8 ± 14.8 years old respectively. Majority of patients worried about their future health before the radiotherapy. Fatigue and sleeping difficulties were commonly reported by the survivors. An improvement in the patients’ overall health and quality of life was discerned as the treatment progressed. Caregivers reported receiving support from friends and healthcare providers. Their emotional and intimate lives were less affected with a positive self-image identified. Conclusions: Rectal cancer radiotherapy survivors faced substantial psychological distress, fatigue and sleeping difficulties. Exercise programs are suggested to address fatigue and distress in survivors. Future large-scale studies should further explore caregiver quality of life and self-image dynamics across the caregiving trajectory.