Research Progress: Exploring the Long-term Survival Status of Colorectal Cancer Survivors

The survival rate of colorectal cancer has significantly improved with advances in early screening and treatment strategies. Therefore, the long-term survival status of colorectal cancer survivors is of increasing concern, which can be summarized mainly in three aspects: quality of life, psychological status, and financial stress. In this article, we reviewed the quality of life of long-term survivors in the context of treatment modalities for colorectal cancer patients, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and wait-and-watch strategies, and separately summarized sexual functioning with long-term quality of life, which is easily neglected by clinical practice. In addition, we discussed the psychosocial problems and financial pressures faced by long-term survivors, analyzing the underlying factors that contribute to these challenges. In this review, long-term survivors of colorectal cancer often face persistent challenges such as chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, dry mouth, hair loss, intestinal dysfunction leading to frequent and urgent bowel movements, and incontinence. Additionally, they may struggle with ostomy care, body image dissatisfaction, sexual dysfunction, and a reduced quality of life. Psychosocial issues including distress, depression, and anxiety, as well as economic hardships due to treatment costs and potential job loss, further compound their situation. While these hardships cannot be quickly resolved, the review aims to offer a scientific basis for developing targeted intervention strategies, guiding researchers and practitioners in creating new support measures to address these multifaceted challenges.