The patient’s general practitioner should consider an individualised supportive care assessment where appropriate to identify the needs of an individual, their carer and family. Refer to appropriate support services as required. See validated screening tools mentioned in Principle 4 ‘Supportive care’.

A number of specific needs may arise for patients and carers at this time:

• assistance for dealing with the emotional distress and/or anger of dealing with a potential cancer diagnosis, anxiety/depression, interpersonal problems and adjustment difficulties
• management of physical symptoms as needed and advised by the specialist
• encouragement and support to increase levels of exercise (Cormie et 2018; Hayes et al. 2019).

For additional information on supportive care and needs that may arise for different population groups, see Appendices A, B and C.