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. 2020 Dec 24;18(1):87.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph18010087.

The Problems and Needs of Patients Diagnosed with Cancer and Their Caregivers

Anna Lewandowska  1 , Grzegorz Rudzki  2 , Tomasz Lewandowski  3 , Sławomir Rudzki  4
Affiliations

The Problems and Needs of Patients Diagnosed with Cancer and Their Caregivers

Anna Lewandowska et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

(1) Background: As the literature analysis shows, cancer patients experience a variety of different needs. Each patient reacts differently to the hardships of the illness. Assessment of needs allows providing more effective support, relevant to every person's individual experience, and is necessary for setting priorities for resource allocation, for planning and conducting holistic care, i.e., care designed to improve a patient's quality of life in a significant way. (2) Patients and Methods: A population survey was conducted between 2018 and 2020. Cancer patients, as well as their caregivers, received an invitation to take part in the research, so their problems and needs could be assessed. (3) Results: The study involved 800 patients, 78% women and 22% men. 66% of the subjects were village residents, while 34%-city residents. The mean age of patients was 62 years, SD = 11.8. The patients received proper treatment within the public healthcare. The surveyed group of caregivers was 88% women and 12% men, 36% village residents and 64% city residents. Subjects were averagely 57 years old, SD 7.8. At the time of diagnosis, the subjects most often felt anxiety, despair, depression, feelings of helplessness (46%, 95% CI: 40-48). During illness and treatment, the subjects most often felt fatigued (79%, 95% CI: 70-80). Analysis of needs showed that 93% (95% CI: 89-97) of patients experienced a certain level of need for help in one or more aspects. (4) Conclusions: Patients diagnosed with cancer have a high level of unmet needs, especially in terms of psychological support and medical information. Their caregivers also experience needs and concerns regarding the disease. Caregivers should be made aware of the health consequences of cancer and consider appropriate supportive care for their loved ones.

Keywords: cancer; cancer patients; caregivers; needs; problems.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are not affiliations that may result in a conflict of interest. Implementation of research from own funds, no organization’s subsidy was used.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Preventive examinations performed by patients before diagnosis.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Patients’ responses to the diagnosis of cancer.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Patients’ responses to the diagnosis of cancer by cancer stage.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Most difficult aspects of the disease.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Categories of emotional stress reported by carers.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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