Patients Support Personalized Follow-Up After Colon Cancer Surgery, Study Finds

New research from New Zealand shows the promise of a patient-tailored follow-up model following curative surgery, as the number of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases rises and health care systems experience increasing strain. ¹ The study's participants expressed general satisfaction with the care they were receiving, but they also indicated that if important obstacles like access, continuity, and technology use are removed, they would be open to alternatives like remote monitoring or general practitioner (GP) visits.

A New Zealand study finds patients are open to remote and general practitioner-led care when it is tailored to their needs. | Image credit: Ahmet Aglamaz - stock.adobe.com

This qualitative study is published in ANZ Journal of Surgery.

“This is the first qualitative study to explore the perspectives of colorectal cancer patients on their current follow-up and their opinions of alternative follow-up in New Zealand,” wrote the researchers of the study. “The key finding is that patients are open to a range of modalities, with preferences being patient-specific. A ‘one size fits all’ model of follow-up care is unlikely to be suitable for a New Zealand population.”

CRC places a growing burden on health systems worldwide, as rising incidence rates and longer survivorship increase demand for follow-up care.² Traditional oncology-led models are often resource-intensive and may not fully meet the diverse needs of survivors, particularly those facing geographic, socioeconomic, or logistical barriers to care.

The study used a qualitative research design to explore patient perspectives on follow-up care after curative-intent CRC surgery.¹ Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 patients with ages ranging from 41 to 86 years. Participants were selected based on their experience with post-surgical CRC follow-up, and interviews were designed to gain insights into their experiences with current care models, openness to alternative approaches, and perceived barriers and enablers to effective follow-up. In doing so, the researchers aimed to provide patient-centered, real-world insights to inform the development of a more personalized and accessible follow-up care framework.

Findings from the study revealed that most patients were satisfied with their current follow-up care and described feelings of reassurance and positivity around their oncology visits. Participants expressed openness to alternative follow-up methods, particularly remote appointments, which they valued for their convenience and efficiency. However, some voiced concerns about the lack of physical examination, difficulty using technology, and hesitancy to raise concerns without face-to-face interaction. GP-led follow-up was deemed potentially beneficial but raised concerns about rushed visits, misdiagnosis, and lack of continuity in care.

Barriers to follow-up included travel distance, disability, caregiving or work obligations, and limited access to transportation. Enablers included strong social support networks and reliable transport.

However, the researchers acknowledged some limitations. First, social desirability bias was a concern. Second, the exclusion of non–English speakers and patients limited generalizability. Additionally, one patient lost to follow-up could have provided insights into barriers to care. Lastly, having a single researcher conduct and analyze all interviews may have introduced bias.

Despite these limitations, the researchers believe the study enforces that as survivorship becomes more complex, personalized strategies will be essential for effective follow-up after CRC surgery.

“Some barriers to follow-up could be overcome by alternative modalities,” wrote the researchers. “The patient-led framework can help guide advancements in colorectal cancer follow-up.”

References

1. Srikumar G, McLaughlin S, McGuinness MJ, et al. Follow-up strategies in colorectal cancer: what do patients prefer? ANZ J Surg. Published online July 30, 2025. doi:10.1111/ans.70269

2. Steinzor P. Colorectal cancer shared care model gains support from clinicians. AJMC®. July 14, 2025. Accessed July 30, 2025. https://www.ajmc.com/view/colorectal-cancer-shared-care-model-gains-support-from-clinicians