Among 300 randomly selected eligible patients with melanoma identified from
outpatient records at a melanoma clinic, 198 signed a consent form and sub
sequently received a Cancer Needs Questionnaire to complete at horne and re
turn. Among these patients, 179 completed and returned the questionnaire. T
he questionnaire includes items pertaining to five categories of needs: psy
chological, health information, physical and daily living, patient care and
support, and interpersonal communication. Twelve melanoma-specific items a
lso were included. The prevalence of individual needs ranged from 14% to 43
%, and 6 of the 10 highest-ranked needs concerned health information. Patie
nts' demographic and disease and treatment variables were related to needs
within each category. The findings suggest that more research is needed to
measure patients' needs routinely, to identify patient groups with specific
needs, and to develop methods to meet their needs effectively.