Gender-related needs and preferences in cancer care indicate the need for an individualized approach to cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE
Improving quality of care for cancer patients requires insight into their specific wishes, needs, and preferences concerning cancer care. The aim of this study was to explore the impact of gender on cancer patients' needs and preferences.


METHODS
Data were obtained from 386 questionnaires assessing cancer patients' preferences for health care. Multivariate regression analyses were performed with data obtained from medical oncology patients treated in seven Dutch hospitals, using the scales of the questionnaire as dependent variables.


RESULTS
Patients rated safety, expertise, performance, and attitude of physicians and nurses highest on their list of preferences. There were significant differences between male and female patients concerning preferences in health care in 15 of the 21 scales and in two of the eight single items. Without exception, women found the care aspects mentioned in these scales and items more important than men. Multivariate regression analysis showed that, of all the patient- and disease-related factors, gender was the most important independent predictor of patient preferences.


CONCLUSIONS
Gender impacts cancer patients' needs and preferences and should be taken into account for optimal cancer care. Cancer care might be tailored toward gender, for example, with regard to the means and extent of communication, manner and extent of support, counseling and rehabilitation, consultation length, and physician assignment. The results of this study may guide health care professionals and organizations to develop a gender-specific health care approach to further improve cancer patient-centered care.
Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Hester
H
Wessels
Alexander
A
de Graeff
Klaske
K
Wynia
Miriam
M
de Heus
Cas L J J
CL
Kruitwagen
Gerda T G J
GT
Woltjer
Saskia C C M
SC
Teunissen
Emile E
EE
Voest
D005260:Female; D005783:Gender Identity; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D057240:Patient Preference; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D012737:Sex Factors