Patient and caregiver needs in oncology. An Italian survey.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Cancer is a disease that has far-reaching consequences for patients and their families. The present study targets unmet caregiver needs so that better support can be provided and planned for. METHODS: The first phase of the study was to conduct a survey designed to explore basic needs (medical and nursing information, psychological support, social welfare). The survey also investigated the caregiver's personal details (age, sex, degree of kinship). The survey was distributed to caregivers coming to the day hospitals of the 4 oncology departments involved in the study. RESULTS: A total of 137 relatives of cancer patients completed the survey. Among the explored needs, the most recurrent was the availability of a doctor who provides full information on the treatment choices. A further important request was for consistency between the information provided by doctors and that provided by other health-care workers, with specific reference to a patient-centered approach that can be easily and fully understood, available therapeutic options especially at home, and prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that the need for exhaustive and simple information provided by a referral physician is still an unmet need in the Internet age.

Compliance with breast and cervical cancer screening programs in women: results from a population-based study.

AIMS AND BACKGROUND: Women's adherence to mammography and PAP test screening guidelines is a fundamental topic regarding women's health. The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge and compliance to breast and cervical cancer screening programs in women living in three Italian towns, where a public screening program, consisting of free mammography every two years and free PAP test every three years, is ongoing. METHODS: An anonymous survey was mailed to a random sample of women. Eight 120-min focus discussions with groups of women exploring perceptions, knowledge and practices were carried out after analysis of the returned surveys. RESULTS: Replies were received from 1345 women (response rate, 27%). Almost every woman knew of the screening program, but women's practice of mammography was age-dependent: up to 72% of the women performed it before the age of 50. Conversely, the age of the first PAP test was rather late: up to 70% of the women performed it at over 30 years of age. Women with a lower educational level reported being screened less than those with a higher level. During the group discussions, women's perceptions, knowledge and beliefs regarding cancer and screening, together with aspects of the health care system, appeared to strongly influence the preventive practices. Many women deplored being infrequently instructed by health professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the limitations of the study due to the low response rate, we believe that health professionals should invest on encouraging factors and reduce the deterring factors to optimize screening practices.