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. 2019 Dec 12;13:984. doi: 10.3332/ecancer.2019.984

Table 2. Coding scheme showing seven main themes and their sub-themes.

No. Theme Sub-themes
1. Internal Cues (Somatic Stimuli)

  1. Attributed to side effects of radiotherapy

  2. Attributed to side effects of medication, surgery or healing

  3. Attributed to attitude or age

  4. Attributed to concurrent illnesses

  5. Decatastrophising symptoms
2. External cues

  1. Contact with health professionals

    Coping styles:

  2. positive

  3. negative

  4. Predisposition

  5. Concurrent problems

  6. Support (family, friends, others)

  7. Media contact
3. Emotions

  1. Positive

  2. Negative (guilt, uncertainty, frustration, tiredness)

  3. Anxiety about cancer itself

  4. Worry associated with cancer returning

  5. Anxiety about treatment

  6. Worry about current side effects

  7. Worry about future side effects

  8. Worry about future follow-ups

  9. Anxiety about returning to normal

  10. Decatastrophising symptoms
4. Cognitions

  1. Past experience of cancer and its treatment

  2. Beliefs about eradication of initial cancer

  3. Knowledge base

  4. Constant reminder of cancer / overthinking
5. Behavioural responses Planning for future
6. Effects on sleep

  1. Increased sleep disturbance

  2. Decreased sleep disturbance
7. Current exercise