How can we help haematological cancer survivors cope with the changes they experience as a result of their cancer?
Haematological cancer often necessitates that individuals make significant lifestyle and behaviour changes to protect themselves against infections. It is essential that haematological cancer survivors receive the support and information they require to adjust to such changes. This cross-sectional survey of 259 haematological cancer survivors found that over two thirds of haematological cancer survivors would like to receive more detailed information or help with: diet and nutrition that takes into account their diagnosis and treatment, how to manage the symptoms from the cancer and/or treatment, signs and symptoms to be aware of that may indicate a possible infection and appropriate exercise. Over a third of survivors reported that they had to make changes to reduce their chance of infection, with social restriction the most commonly reported area of change survivors made. Improving communication and access to care and providing additional emotional support may assist survivors in making these additional changes. Healthcare providers should use this information to better support haematological cancer survivors in dealing with the effects haematological cancer has on their life.
Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia. alix.hall@newcastle.edu.au.|Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia. alix.hall@newcastle.edu.au.
Alix
A
Hall
Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.|Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
Marita
M
Lynagh
Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.|Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
Flora
F
Tzelepis
Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.|Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
Chris
C
Paul
Priority Research Centre for Health Behaviour, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.|Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia.
Jamie
J
Bryant
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D019337:Hematologic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
Information; Lifestyle changes; Support; Survivors