What do blood cancer survivors most often still need help with?

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This study aimed to identify the most prevalent unmet needs of haematological (blood) cancer survivors.

In this observational survey study, survivors aged 18–80 years at recruitment were selected from four Australian state cancer registries. They completed the Survivor Unmet Needs Survey. Researchers identified the most frequently reported items rated as “high/very high” unmet needs, and characteristics associated with the three most prevalent needs at those levels.

A total of 715 eligible survivors returned a completed survey. “Dealing with feeling tired” was the most frequently endorsed “high/very high” unmet need, reported by 17%. Seven of the ten most frequently endorsed unmet needs related to emotional health.

Higher psychological distress—including anxiety, depression and stress—and indicators of cancer-related financial burden—including having used up savings and trouble meeting day-to-day expenses due to cancer—were consistently associated with the three most prevalent “high/very high” unmet needs.

For individual items, a minority of survivors reported a “high/very high” unmet need. The researchers concluded that a minority of survivors may need additional emotional support. Survivors reporting high psychological distress or increased financial burden resulting from their cancer diagnosis may be at risk of experiencing the most prevalent “high/very high” unmet needs identified in this study.