Background: Peripheral neuropathy (PN) is a common symptom in colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors and patients with diabetes. However, the differences in PN symptoms between CRC survivors and patients with diabetes are not clear.
Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in PN between CRC survivors and patients with diabetes.
Methods: Secondary data were analyzed from two cross-sectional studies consisting of 81 CRC survivors and 86 patients with diabetes from two hospitals in northern and central Taiwan. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance, and multiple logistic regression.
Findings: Significant differences in severity and prevalence of PN and neuropathic pain between CRC survivors and patients with diabetes were found. Patients with diabetes had significantly more severe PN and sensory PN compared to CRC survivors. In addition, the prevalence of PN and neuropathic pain was significantly higher in CRC survivors compared to patients with diabetes after control of covariates.
Keywords: colorectal cancer survivors; diabetes; neuropathic pain; peripheral neuropathy.