Abstract
This paper reports on the findings of the largest ever European survey of female patients' perceptions of their cancer treatment. It has provided clarification of what women consider important in relation to their management and has identified several areas where more research is needed. It has shown that women's knowledge about cancer before diagnosis is poor and the number undergoing regular screening could be improved. Women are not being adequately prepared and educated about what to expect from treatment and steps should be taken as a matter of urgency to redress this shortcoming. It was revealed that whilst families were the primary source of support to female cancer patients, women also derive considerable support from healthcare professionals, particularly senior doctors; more attention should be paid by specialists and nurses to developing psychological skills to cope with this. In this context, further research is needed into how support groups may best meet patient needs. Copyright (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1667-1675 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | European Journal of Cancer |
Volume | 35 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Nov 1999 |
Keywords
- Cancer services
- Female cancers
- Patient attitudes
- Patient support
- Patient survey
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Cancer Research
- Hematology
- Oncology