BACKGROUND. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predi
ctors of the perceived unmet needs of cancer patients undergoing treatment
for their disease at public treatment centers.
METHODS. A total of 1492 consecutive patients attending the surgical, radia
tion, or medical oncology departments of 9 major public cancer treatment ce
nters in New South Wales, Australia, were asked to participate. Of the 1370
eligible patients, 1354 (99%) consented to participate and 888 (65%) retur
ned completed surveys. Eligible consenting patients were given a Supportive
Care Needs Survey to complete at home and return by mail within 7 days.
RESULTS. Patients' perceived needs were assessed across the following five
areas: psychologic, health system and information, physical and daily livin
g, patient care and support, and sexuality. Patients' perceived needs were
highest in the psychologic, health system and information, and physical and
daily living domains. Logistic regression modeling revealed subgroups of p
atients with different types of needs. The significant predictors of report
ing some unmet need for help varied according to the domain examined.
CONCLUSIONS. This statewide study shows that cancer patients experience hig
h levels of unmet needs across the range of domains examined. The study pro
vides information that may be valuable in identifying areas where intervent
ions could be tested and evaluated in an attempt to address the unmet needs
of people living with cancer. [See related article on pages 217-25, this i
ssue.] Cancer 2000;88: 225-36. (C) 2000 American Cancer Society.