All.Can Patient Survey

45 Why it matters Mental distress is common among cancer patients, and can result in difficulty in processing information, decisional regret about treatment choices, fear of cancer recurrence, chronic pain and difficulty with social reintegration. 60 Cancer patients are three times more likely to suffer from depression compared with the general population. Cancer patients with depression have 39% higher mortality, 62 higher healthcare utilisation, and higher healthcare expenditure than patients who do not have depression. 63 For example, a study in the United States found that adult cancer survivors had an estimated 31.7% greater total expenditure compared to those without depression. 63 A higher incidence of anxiety and depression is reported in adolescents and young adult cancer survivors compared with older populations. This can inhibit their ability to get an education and gain employment. 64 Furthermore, psychological care is especially crucial in the post-treatment phase, due to fears over not being able to conceive children, body image dissatisfaction and anxiety. 64 The impact of cancer on families and loved ones was a common concern for respondents. In addition to needing psychological support themselves, respondents said that psychological support should be offered to their spouses and children. This comment was made by both patients and caregivers completing the survey. ‘I wish more attention was given to the partners of cancer patients. It is often they who suffer most from the treatment.’ Respondent from Belgium ‘We, as a family, also felt broken. We had no previous cases of cancer in the family. I don’t know if you know what it feels like, watching someone close to you for 12 months, knowing they are dying.’ Respondent from Poland Patient insights on cancer care: opportunities for improving efficiency