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Experiences and needs of Dutch cancer survivors regarding lifestyle counselling: a qualitative study
van Aken,Bente Manshanden,Anna Kroeze,Willemieke Florisson,Nadine Groot-Sluijsmans,Barbara Hoedjes,Meeke van Asselt,Kristel Ter Beek,Lies Steenhuis,Ingrid
van Aken,Bente
Manshanden,Anna
Kroeze,Willemieke
Florisson,Nadine
Groot-Sluijsmans,Barbara
Hoedjes,Meeke
van Asselt,Kristel
Ter Beek,Lies
Steenhuis,Ingrid
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Cancer survivors face various short- and long-term consequences of their disease and treatment, which may negatively impact their quality of life. Healthy lifestyle changes can have a positive effect on these consequences but current counselling does not sufficiently meet their needs. This study explores the experiences and needs of cancer survivors regarding lifestyle counselling. METHODS: A qualitative design comprising semi-structured interviews was used. We conducted 18 interviews with Dutch adult cancer survivors with various types of cancer, including people with limited health literacy. The data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. This study is part of the GLINK project, which aims to develop and evaluate an integrated lifestyle intervention for cancer survivors. RESULTS: Dutch cancer survivors experienced current lifestyle counselling as fragmented and not structurally embedded, which requires them to be proactive in seeking support. Participants expressed a desire for stronger integration of lifestyle counselling within oncological (after)care, with clear information on available options and improved accessibility in terms of location, contact with professionals, and referral pathways. They reported a need for personalised, flexible support from professionals specialized in oncology, focusing on individual needs to ensure that patients feel seen and heard. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides insights into how lifestyle counselling for cancer survivors can be improved from the patients' perspective. These findings can enhance the initiation of lifestyle conversations and referral processes and serve as a foundation for developing an integrated lifestyle intervention for cancer survivors.
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© 2025. The Author(s).
Date
2025-11-12
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s12885-025-15186-6_1_.pdf
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Keywords
Humans, Cancer Survivors/psychology, Female, Male, Middle Aged, Qualitative Research, Netherlands, Counseling, Adult, Life Style, Aged, Neoplasms/psychology, Quality of Life, SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Citation
van Aken, B, Manshanden, A, Kroeze, W, Florisson, N, Groot-Sluijsmans, B, Hoedjes, M, van Asselt, K, Ter Beek, L & Steenhuis, I 2025, 'Experiences and needs of Dutch cancer survivors regarding lifestyle counselling : a qualitative study', BMC Cancer, vol. 25, no. 1, 1761. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-15186-6
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info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess