Many Cancer Survivors Say Their Nonmedical Needs Are Not Met

May 14, 2005

A new survey from the LIVESTRONG Foundation (LAF) of 1,020 cancer survivors (ages 18 to 75) shows that nearly half feel their nonmedical needs, such as emotional distress, financial issues, and sexual side effects, are not being met.  More than half feel that their emotional needs are more difficult to cope with than their physical needs.

In addition, 70% of the group say they have suffered depression at some point due to cancer, 32% said they talk about cancer a few times every month (including 10% who said they talk about it every day), and 40% said their lives are still affected by cancer. 

"These findings show that cancer is a burden that never leaves a person, even after therapy is over," said Steven N. Wolff, MD, Professor of Medicine at Meharry Medical College, the study's lead author, and member of the Board of Directors of the LAF.

This survey was conducted online from October 1 - 6, 2004, and 73% of the people who participated were diagnosed more than two years before the survey.

What this means for survivors

Cancer survivors who are experiencing emotional, social, or other nonmedical problems are encouraged to discuss these problems with their doctors and to ask for referrals to appropriate resources.