UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Methods: Prospective population survey of patients with newly diagnosed breast, colorectal and prostate cancers in Ontario, Canada between June 2001 and April 2003. A validated, self- completed supportive care needs questionnaire that captured 46 unique core supportive care services was mailed to a random sample of patients. Respondents indicated whether a particular service type was needed and used during the previous 12 months. Need and Use scores were tabulated by adding the number of services chosen ( min 0 max 46). Demographic variables were collected for analysis of subgroups and to study predictive factors for need and use. Participants were identified from a provincial cancer registry. Ethics approval was obtained from McMaster University. A modified Dilman method was used.

Results: Responses were obtained from 2274 patients representing an adjusted response rate of 76%. Mean respondent age was 65.9 years. 83.5% of respondents indicated having attended a cancer centre at least one time in the previous 12 months. Mean need score form all respondents was 12.4 ( SD 7.4 ) which was significantly different between groups. Mean use score for all respondents was 8.7 (SD 5.1). Predictors for patient reported use included disease site, age, gender, socioeconomic status and cancer centre attendance. In fewer than 10% of respondents a gap between need and use was recorded.

Conclusions: Patient reported need and use of services is low . These findings are of interest to support service planners in cancer centres and in communities.