All.Can Patient Survey

69 Patient insights on cancer care: opportunities for improving efficiency Swift, accurate and appropriately delivered diagnosis • 26% of respondents whose cancer was detected outside of a screening programme said their cancer was diagnosed as something different – either initially or multiple times • 13% of respondents whose cancer was detected outside of a screening programme waited more than six months to be diagnosed with cancer Information, support and shared decision-making • 45% did not feel involved enough in deciding which treatment options were best for them • 24% were not given enough information (in a way they could understand) about their cancer care and treatment • 42% did not receive enough support to deal with ongoing symptoms and side effects – including beyond the active phase of their treatment • 40% did not receive enough information (in a way they could understand) about the signs and symptoms indicating that their cancer might be returning or getting worse • 50% were not given information about patient groups, charities and other organisations that might be able to support them Integrated multidisciplinary care • 53% always felt supported by those involved in their care (e.g. surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, nurses and other specialists) • 11% said that support from allied health professionals was not available when they needed it • 71% reported that they needed some form of psychological support during/after their cancer care but, of those, 23% said it was not available • 80% of those who received psychological support found it helpful • 6% had to miss or cancel their own appointments three or more times at short notice, whereas 2% reported this was done by their hospital or clinic The financial impact of cancer • 21% reported travel costs, 10% a loss of employment, 2% childcare costs, 2%  loss of insurance and 15% other Belgium: key findings