Abstract

Background: When compared to their urban counterparts, rural cancer survivors have been shown to have poorer experiences and outcomes from healthcare, ranging from the burden of increased travel times to a lack of accessible and bespoke support. There is limited qualitative research in the UK on the post-treatment experiences of cancer survivors who reside in rural areas.

Aims: To gain an understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities faced by rural cancer survivors and to provide insight into how rurality influences the experiences of post-treatment cancer survivors in the UK.

Methods: Secondary analysis of in-depth interview transcripts (n=16) from a qualitative study on self-management in post-treatment cancer survivors. An adapted version of Foster & Fenlon’s recovery of health and wellbeing in cancer survivorship framework was used to support thematic analysis of the data.

Outcomes: Participants’ subjective health and wellbeing were interrupted by a variety of problem incidents, and the subsequent steps to recovery were influenced by pre-existing, personal, environmental, and specific healthcare factors. A prominent theme from the data was support, both from the local community and family as well as from healthcare professionals, with many feeling that their rural setting had a positive influence on their health and wellbeing. Close relationships with local GPs were seen as fundamental to supporting recovery from cancer. Access to healthcare was frequently mentioned as a challenge with an emphasis on lengthy travel times and a lack of tailored follow up support in rural areas. Future interventions should consider working with local communities and their existing resources given these are an important component of the rural environment.