Health Care Use > 2 Years After Cancer Diagnosis: Results From a Survey Among 5,710 Patients With Various Cancer Types

TL;DR

This study surveyed over 5,700 cancer survivors in the Netherlands to understand their health care use more than two years after diagnosis.

Contribution

The study reveals unmet support needs among cancer survivors and identifies factors influencing professional and peer support use.

Findings

One-third of cancer survivors with long-term consequences received professional care in the past three months.

15% of survivors expressed a desire for care they did not receive, citing affordability or time since diagnosis.

Medical specialists, physical therapists, and general practitioners were the most common providers of care.

Abstract

This study aimed to examine health care use in a cross‐sectional sample of Dutch cancer survivors > 2 years post‐diagnosis.

The Dutch Federation of Cancer Patient Organizations (NFK), together with patient representatives and researchers, developed a cross‐sectional online survey on life after cancer, which was distributed via email, websites, and social media.

The study included 5710 respondents (> 2 years post‐diagnosis). Among those who reported long‐term cancer/treatment‐related consequences (approximately 89% of participants), one‐third (33%) had received professional care or support for these issues in the past 3 months. Those reporting more cancer‐ or treatment related consequences, those diagnosed 2–5 years ago, those (probably) not (getting) better, and those currently under treatment were more likely to receive professional care or support. Care was primarily provided by medical specialists (47%), physical therapists (37%), and/or general practitioners (32%). 15% expressed a desire for care or support that they did not receive, indicating reasons such as a long time since diagnosis or affordability. Overall, 68% knew where to turn for help; among those with consequences, 19% received peer/volunteer support and 10% wanted it but did not receive it.

A significant proportion of long‐term cancer survivors in our sample reported unmet support needs (15% for professional care, 10% for peer support). Efforts should focus on improving access to affordable professional care, expanding peer support networks, providing personalized long‐term follow‐up care, and reducing stigma around seeking help, particularly within the context of the Dutch healthcare system.

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