Identification of Korean cancer survivors’ unmet needs and desired psychosocial assistance: A focus group study

PURPOSE: This qualitative study identifies difficulties and unmet needs in psychosocial aspect that Korean cancer survivors reported. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 18 cancer survivors who agreed to participate in the focus groups. Each focus group consisted of four to six cancer survivors, considering homogeneity of sex and age. Participants were asked to freely describe the practical difficulties they faced and their unmet needs when living as cancer survivors. A cross-case interview analysis was used to identify major themes. Consensual qualitative research analysis was applied to complement the objectivity of results obtained from participants’ interviews. RESULTS: We identified three major themes: 1) shifts what cancer connotes, 2) development of government policies regarding integrative management for cancer survivors, and 3) preparing for cancer survivors’ future through vocational rehabilitation or career development. CONCLUSION: Korean cancer survivors had difficulties in psychosocial adjustment even after the completion of anti-cancer treatments. We identified several unmet needs among participants who were living as cancer survivors. This qualitative study may expand the view of cancer survivorship in Korea by incorporating their voices and experiences to facilitate the development of a more holistic cancer survivorship program.