All.Can Patient Survey

21 ii As explained on page 14 (About this survey), where this report refers to ‘respondents’ without a specific percentage, we are referring to qualitative findings. These findings cannot be quantified as not all respondents answered the open-ended questions, so it would not be possible to give an accurate estimation of what proportion of all respondents might agree with each comment. The way diagnosis was communicated was very important to respondents. A theme that emerged from qualitative responses was that respondents ii sometimes felt that their instincts were not listened to by doctors – even when they themselves thought their symptoms may be related to cancer. This was mentioned particularly by younger respondents. Overview of findings ‘After seeing multiple doctors, not one of them thought my symptoms could be related to cancer as I was 15 at the time and “too young” for a cancer diagnosis.’ Respondent from Australia ‘I had delays in diagnosis, and, above all, I felt I was made a fool of about the symptoms I had – they were trivialised as an intestinal virus and anxiety.’ Respondent from Italy ‘Make the diagnosis in a softer way and take a little more time for it.’ Respondent from Belgium ‘My GP just told me he would be surprised if I didn’t have leukaemia as he looked at a blood test done for another issue… What was I supposed to do with that information?’ Respondent from Canada In qualitative responses, respondents often reported a lack of attention and empathy in how doctors communicated the news of their diagnosis. Respondents said they would have liked more time to discuss things and digest information. Respondents also expressed concern that information was sometimes withheld from them – including the fact that they had cancer. There were comments indicating that the different steps in their diagnosis were not explained enough, or in an understandable way. Patient insights on cancer care: opportunities for improving efficiency