NEW analysis has revealed what people with cancer think about the care they receive in Scotland.
The Scottish Cancer Patient Experience Survey, funded by Macmillan Cancer Support and the Scottish Government, asked participants about their experience of cancer care and support from diagnosis onwards.
Of the 5001 patients taking part, a total of 3315 people left at least one comment in the survey, with 9320 comments made overall.
Survey participants made almost twice as many positive (4176) than negative (2285) comments about their experiences.
The majority of positive comments (57%) were about how the individual needs of the patients, from being given the right information to being directed to financial advice and emotional support, were met.
In contrast, a third (33%) of all negative comments related to patients not feeling their individual needs were met, with comments mentioning poor information and a lack of help for non-clinical support needs.
Macmillan Cancer Support says the new analysis further underlines why personalised care must remain a central plank of the cancer care system.
Janice Preston, head of Macmillan in Scotland, said: “Cancer doesn’t just affect people physically. it can affect every aspect of life, causing problems from debt to depression.
”Survey after survey has shown people with cancer need support to cope with the effects the illness has on their lives, from causing money worries, to leading to anxiety and depression.
“This new analysis highlights once again why people’s emotional, financial and practical support needs must be recognised as just as vital as good clinical care.”
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: “We are investing £9 million to make Scotland the first country in the UK where cancer patients will have access to dedicated practical, financial, and emotional help through the Transforming Cancer Care partnership programme with Macmillan. The survey will help drive the work of the partnership in reflecting the new challenges of Covid-19.
“The programme will help to ensure everyone with cancer is offered a personal care plan and access to the support they need, and make it easier for people to continue their personal and professional lives for as long as possible whilst under-going cancer treatment.”
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