The Effects of Nurse Navigation Program on Symptom Management and Psychosocial Adjustment in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 10 million deaths or one in six deaths in 2020 (WHO, 2022). According to cancer data published by GLOBOCAN 2020, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most common cause of death among all cancer types (GLOBOCAN, 2020). Cancer, the incidence of which is increasing day by day, can cause serious mental problems and psychological effects in the social life of patients, as well as physical difficulties, and this situation negatively affects the course of the disease (Ülger et al, 2014). When the relevant literature is examined for colorectal cancer patients, pain, nausea, vomiting, impaired bowel function, anorexia and delirium are the most common symptoms in colorectal cancer patients (Kocakuşak et al, 2011; El-Shami et al, 2015). Many cancer patients experience psychosocial symptoms in addition to physical symptoms (Ülger et al, 2014). The most common psychosocial symptoms in cancer patients are usually adjustment disorders, depression, anxiety, decreased life satisfaction or loss of self-confidence (Akechi et al, 2001; Ateşci et al, 2003; Seven et al, 2013; Rashid et al, 2021). Since the treatment process of cancer includes a heavy and long process, it is important for patients to receive psycho-social support to protect their mental health and improve their ability to cope with the disease (Ülger et al, 2014). Patient navigation includes the services provided by professionals (navigators) trained in this field to provide education and support to individuals in overcoming the problems they encounter in the health care system, to encourage them to have cancer screenings, and to guide individuals (Dönmez, 2019). When the relevant literature is examined, although there are many studies on the use of navigation programs in cancer patients, no study on symptom management and psychosocial adjustment in individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer has yet been found (Sussman et al, 2018; Loiselle et al, 2010; Nam et al, 2019; Young et al, 2010; Shum et al, 2014). In this context, the aim of this study is to examine the effect of the nurse navigation program applied to colorectal cancer patients on symptom management and psychosocial adjustment and to contribute to the relevant literature.