Priorities of Cancer Survivors Regarding Psychosocial Needs

Abstract

In cancer care, as in all human services, increasing financial constraints have led to an emphasis on the identification and prioritization of needs. Qualitative studies directed at a broad examination of the psychosocial implications of surviving cancer have identified a number of problem areas for survivors. However, problem areas, although providing a firm base for further investigation, do not necessarily reflect the needs of survivors. Indeed, research designed to provide a rationale for the efficient disbursement of limited resources requires the specific quantitative identification of unmet needs, particularly those for which technologies and skills are sufficiently developed. The current study examined the needs of 362 adult patients from two distinct geographic areas in Ontario, Canada, who had received curative treatment for a malignancy not less than six months before the beginning of the study. In general, the frequency of survivors who expressed a need in any particular area was lower than expected on the basis of qualitative reports in the literature. Thus, although there is a general impression that the negative consequences of surviving cancer are frequent, the actual prevalence appears to be relatively low.