Supportive Activities Requested by Survivors of Cancer

Abstract

To develop a support program for cancer survivors, a needs assessment survey was conducted among 200 former patients (121 men, 79 women) who had been treated for diverse types of cancer. Most respondents were older than 25 years; 45 percent were between the ages of 40 and 60 years. Sixty-one percent were married, and 61 percent were employed. Forty-five percent had been treated within the previous 12 months, and 44 percent had been treated more than two years before. Using a Likert-type scale, respondents indicated their degree of concern about 12 aspects of life. Respondents reported the greatest level of concern about their (1) general physical health and recurrence of the disease, (2) ability to plan for the future, (3) finances, and (41 general frame of mind. Resources that patients reported using included family, friends, and hospital professional staff at all levels. Thirty-two percent said they had received no help or information from any source. Former patients also assessed the usefulness, to them, of projected program services.