Understanding the needs of lung cancer patients during the pre-diagnosis phase

J Cancer Educ. 2012 Jun;27(3):494-500. doi: 10.1007/s13187-012-0345-0.

Abstract

Patients with lung cancer have numerous and varying needs spanning across the cancer trajectory; however, only limited research has focused specifically on the pre-diagnosis phase. A multicentre cross-sectional survey was conducted to explore the experience of lung cancer patients during the pre-diagnosis phase. High levels of anxiety were reported by many participants (45.6 %). Informational (32.1 %), and emotional (24.1 %) needs were reported as most important; the majority (89.0 %) reported these needs were met. Most participants sought information throughout, with many (38.6 %) rating their oncology health care providers to be the best source of information. The majority (70.0 %) reported that they were not directed to any resources to help address their anxiety. During pre-diagnosis, informational and emotional needs appear most important, and for the majority, these were reportedly met. Although many experienced high levels of anxiety, few were directed to resources to address it.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety / psychology
  • Consumer Health Information / methods*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Emotions*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Lung Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Needs Assessment
  • Patient Education as Topic / methods*
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Socioeconomic Factors