All.Can Patient Survey

37 In addition to information and support they may have received from their care team, respondents expressed the value of being able to speak to people who had been through a cancer diagnosis themselves. ‘I would suggest that anyone with any type of cancer look for others that have that type of cancer, and help each other. Only those who are going through cancer, or have gone through it, really understand.’ Respondent from the United States Why it matters Even with the support of family and friends, many people who have cancer find it helpful and comforting to talk with others who have already gone through the experience first‑hand, to discuss all aspects of how to deal with cancer and its impact on life. Patient organisations often help provide this peer support to patients. They can fill important gaps in patients’ needs, providing emotional support and financial advice, as well as valuable information about treatment options and available services. 47 Not all healthcare professionals may feel comfortable or able to distribute patient support‑group information. This presents a missed opportunity as doctors are usually the main source of information connecting patients to support groups. 48 Respondents were not always given information about available patient groups or peer support. • 41% of respondents said they were not given any information about patient advocacy groups, charities or other organisations that could support them. Patient insights on cancer care: opportunities for improving efficiency Overall, gaps in information and support were found to be greatest for respondents whose cancers were diagnosed at an advanced stage. Across almost all questions relating to information, respondents whose cancer was diagnosed at a more advanced stage reported gaps more often than those with earlier-stage cancer ( Table 2 ).