Purpose/Objectives
The number of cancer survivors is steadily increasing worldwide. It is expected more than 2.5 million will be living after completion of cancer treatment. However, little attention has been paid to their experiences and needs following completion of treatment. This study explores the major concerns of cancer survivors 1 to 3 years after treatment completion with a view to understanding their unmet needs and perspectives on where improvements are required.
Sample and Setting
Cancer survivors 1-3 years post-treatment from across 10 Canadian Provinces.
Procedures
A cross-sectional survey was designed to assess experiences of cancer survivors transitioning to follow-up survivorship care. A standard content analysis was applied to written responses from open-ended questions about major concerns when living after the completion of cancer treatment and perspectives on needed improvements in survivorship follow-up care. Analysis was completed for adolescents and young adults, and older adults (75+) separately.
Results
In total, 13,319 respondents completed the survey with more than 2/3’s providing written responses. Themes surrounding the impact of cancer treatment on daily living reflected physical, emotional and practical challenges for all ages. Themes about improvements in survivorship care included ‘hear me’, ‘work with me’, and ‘connect me’ for the adolescents and young adults, while those for the older adults included ‘offer me support’, ‘make access easy for me’, and ‘show me you care’.
Conclusion/Implications
High proportions of cancer survivors experienced concerns following the completion of cancer treatment. There is a need for development of support services tailored for specific ages and located close to the local settings where cancer survivors live.