All.Can Patient Survey

44 ‘I needed someone to talk to; I was given written information.’ Respondent from France ‘On the emotional side, I had to deal with everything myself. A psychologist, in the hospital after an operation, reduced me to tears by asking questions like, “Do you know that you will be bald and may lose your job?” It sounds unbelievable, but it happened.’ Respondent from Poland What we know According to the International Psycho-Oncology Society, 40–60% of cancer patients and family members experience psychological distress that could benefit from intervention, but only a minority receive psychological support and care. 59 This is despite psychological distress screening being recommended for all cancer patients from diagnosis onwards. 60 These figures are partly due to the fact that significant gaps exist in the availability of psycho-oncology services across the world. A 2015 survey across 27 countries in Europe found that only eight (30%) had nationally recommended psycho‑oncology care guidelines, ten (37%) had budgets for psycho‑oncology care, and six (22%) had official certifications for psycho‑oncology care education. 59 61 3 | Integrated multidisciplinary care Even when psychological support was available, it was not always felt to be helpful. In qualitative comments, respondents mentioned being referred to professionals who did not have a sufficient understanding of cancer to provide any meaningful help to them or their families. In some instances, support was inappropriate or even hurtful to respondents.