5.4.1 Supportive care

See validated screening tools mentioned in Principle 4 ‘Supportive care’. Additionally, the ‘Cancer Survivors Unmet Needs (CaSun)’ is another validated screening tool that may help health professionals to identify the unmet needs of patients during survivorship.

A number of specific challenges and needs may arise for cancer survivors:

  • emotional distress arising from fear of disease recurrence, returning to work, anxiety/depression, interpersonal problems and sexuality concerns
  • chemotherapy-induced peripheral sensory neuropathy (may need ongoing monitoring)
  • malnutrition post-treatment due to ongoing treatment side effects (e.g. weight loss or reduced oral intake) – this requires monitoring and nutrition intervention where indicated
  • altered bowel function and incontinence
  • stoma management
  • decline in mobility or functional status as a result of treatment
  • a need for increased community supports as patients recover from treatment
  • financial and employment issues (e.g. loss of income and assistance with returning to work and the cost of treatment, travel and accommodation)
  • appointing a substitute decision-maker and completing an advance care directive
  • legal issues such as completing a will.

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