After diagnosis of cancer: the patient's view of life

Abstract

This research was undertaken to increase our understanding of cancer patients' perceptions of their needs, and how these changed over time. Sixty five patients with breast, prostate/testes or colorectal cancer were each interviewed at 5 and 13 months. Concrete accounts were elicited of good and bad experiences that were significant to patients. Three dimensions of need were identified: care availability and quality in disease management; good information and sympathetic communication; and, most importantly, regaining control of life.