Our aim was to describe voluntary associations for patients with cancer in
Sweden (n=108) and their activities, type and extent of member support, and
the associations' collaboration with the health care system. A specially c
onstructed questionnaire with structured and open questions was used for th
e investigation. The frequency of answers was 89%. The results show in the
broadest sense that the associations have two missions. The direct patient-
related mission concerns providing patients with support in the form of clo
se proximity, approachability and through distribution of knowledge togethe
r with financial and practical support; the indirect patient-related missio
n deals with activities aimed at improving conditions for patients in gener
al within the health care system and by influencing authorities as well as
supporting family members and significant others and providing financing. T
he associations collaborate with the health care system, although they face
difficulties in becoming 'sanctioned' and in establishing positive relatio
nships with the health care community. The associations display a positive
attitude towards their cause and the personal gratification that the volunt
ary work brings. In general, the findings indicate that the associations ha
ve a potential to help patients live and cope with their cancer disease.