Lack of help for cancer patients

RURAL cancer patients are feeling a disconnect from their treatment team post treatment, with a new study revealing two-thirds do not receive proper care once home.

In a collaboration with Cancer Council Queensland, University of Southern Queensland Dr Arlen Rowe and her team found 65.2 per cent of 201 surveyed participants failed to receive a proper care plan after returning from cancer treatment.

“Just because the treatments are over doesn’t mean dealing with the cancer is done. A diagnosis can turn their whole world upside down and impact the rest of their lives,” she said.

“Some are left with longterm health issues, struggle to cope with the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis even after treatments, experience cancer recurrence, or develop a new cancer. Navigating the maze of check-up appointments, tests and scans, as well as making the necessary health and lifestyle changes to optimise their recovery and maintain longterm wellbeing can be overwhelming and stressful.

“That’s why survivorship care plans are essential for cancer survivors, especially those who live in rural areas where access to health and support services is limited.

“Without the necessary information or advice, it can be incredibly difficult to effectively manage their health, wellbeing and long-term recovery.”

The study found more than half of participants did not receive diet, counselling services and physical exercise information for returning to regular life. People living in rural Australia are up to 31 per cent more likely to die within five years of being diagnosed with cancer than those who live in metropolitan areas,” she said.

“Ensuring cancer survivors are provided with adequate survivorship care information could help turn around this pretty sad statistic and deliver better outcomes.”