This study aimed to identify supportive care needs of South Australians with cancer and their caregivers, and how needs vary across different demographics and cancer characteristics.
267 adults (192 with cancer, 75 caregivers) impacted by cancer within the past five years. Recruitment occurred through supportive care services, hospitals, and social media (April 2023-August 2024).
Participants completed a survey collecting demographic and cancer-related information, and assessing needs across six domains: psychological, informational, practical and financial, service access, physical and daily living, and social. Participants could describe additional self-identified needs. Anxiety and depression symptoms were also assessed.
The top unmet needs for people with cancer included understanding government entitlements (31%), household tasks (28%), reduced ability to engage in usual activities (25%), fatigue (24%), and fear about the future (24%). For caregivers, unmet needs were understanding entitlements (29%), fear about the future (29%), carer burden (25%), distress (24%), and preparing for grief and loss (24%). Younger age (β=0.19, 95%CI -0.33–-0.05, p=.007), being unpartnered (β=0.17, 95%CI 0.06–0.29, p=.004), and living in disadvantaged areas (β=0.18, 95%CI 0.05–0.32, p=.008) were associated with reporting more unmet needs.
Qualitative responses highlighted pervasive unmet needs among people with cancer and caregivers, driven largely by information gaps, emotional strain, and practical barriers. Participants described difficulties navigating services, lack of tailored support, emotional exhaustion, and financial hardship, with caregivers often deprioritising their own wellbeing to meet the needs of others.
Unmet supportive care needs are prevalent among South Australians impacted by cancer. These findings highlight the importance of improving access to tailored information, emotional support, and practical assistance to address complex and interrelated needs. Integrating caregiver wellbeing into care planning is essential for holistic cancer care.