The Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce has launched a groundbreaking survey to give a voice to people affected by a terminal diagnosis of one of the deadliest cancers.
Patients and their loved ones will have the opportunity to share their experiences after receiving a diagnosis for one of the less survivable cancers: brain, liver, lung, stomach, oesophageal and pancreatic.
The aim of the survey is to gain a greater understanding of the experiences of people facing these cancers, and the results will help the Taskforce campaign for improvements to palliative care services as well as highlighting best practices.
Anna Jewell, Chair of the Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce, said:
“We know that life expectancy for people diagnosed with a less survivable cancer can be brutally short, but palliative care is not just for end of life. The aim of palliative care is to help people live as well as possible with a life-limiting diagnosis for as long as they can. It involves proactively and reactively treating the symptoms and side-effects of the disease, for example managing pain, and includes emotional, physical, social and spiritual care.
“Anecdotally we hear of varied experiences of palliative care. This survey will provide an evidence base for us to better understand issues and gaps, and to advocate for improved care for less survivable cancers.
“The Less Survivable Cancers Taskforce exists to represent people diagnosed with one of these cancers so it’s crucial that we hear their opinions and give them a voice.”
The survey will cover all aspects of support received by patients following their diagnosis, including treatment of symptoms and side-effects. Survey respondents will be asked about support already in place and their thoughts on what could have improved to their experiences.
The survey is open to anyone in the UK with experience of a less survivable cancer.
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