Informational needs of patients and perceived adequacy of information available before and after treatment of cancer.
To examine the various concerns of patients after being diagnosed with cancer as well as the availability of information to address concerns from the time of diagnosis to the completion of treatment, we analyzed data from a longitudinal study of 731 adults recently diagnosed with cancer. Concerns about the effectiveness and side effects of treatment and family stress were most common after diagnosis. Information about the diagnosis and treatment plan was readily available to patients, but information addressing social, lifestyle, and financial concerns was less available. Significantly more information was desired regarding the long-term implications of treatment and disease.
Hawkins
Nikki A
NA
Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. nhawkins@uci.edu
Pollack
Loria A
LA
Leadbetter
Steven
S
Steele
Whitney Randolph
WR
Carroll
Jennifer
J
Dolan
James G
JG
Ryan
Elizabeth P
EP
Ryan
Julie L
JL
Morrow
Gary R
GR
D001294:Attitude to Health; D003142:Communication; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008019:Life Style; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D009518:New York; D005791:Patient Care / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010465:Perception / Q000502:physiology*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires