Background to cancer and cancer treatment
Below are some useful links to outline what cancer is, how it develops, and some of the treatments that are available. Understanding these things will help in Cancer Care review discussions.
Psychosocial Impact of Cancer
Cancer affects patients beyond just the physical symptoms. It can significantly impact on social life, mental health, finances and work to name a few. The holistic nature of the cancer care review aims to address issues beyond the physical symptoms. Below are some statistics from Macmillan research on some of the impacts of cancer:
- Financial – Macmillan research shows that of all the people living with cancer, a staggering 83% experience a financial impact as a result of their diagnosis.
- Mental health – Three quarters of people with cancer (75%) experience anxiety as a result of their cancer diagnosis
- Relationships – A quarter (26%) of people with cancer say they experience difficulties in their relationships with their partner as a result of their cancer diagnosis
Patients often do not know where to turn, but there is support available for all these things.
The Cancer Care Review is an opportunity to discuss the things that primary care can address directly, and signpost to the wealth of resources that are available in their local community.
Why is the Cancer Care Review important?
More people are living longer with and beyond cancer, which means that the Primary Care team has a vital role to play in helping patients to manage their diagnosis and the effects of their treatment. The Cancer Care review aims to help equip patients to self-manage their symptoms and know where to seek support and help from services including local resources, support groups, and the GP practice itself.
Why personalised care?
We know that after a cancer diagnosis 83% of patients report themselves to be less well off. 25% report loneliness, 10% report anxiety, 40% report depression and 25% report physical symptoms affecting their QOL. There is support available for all of these things, and patients often do not know where to turn. The cancer care review is an opportunity to address the things that primary care can address directly, and signpost to the wealth of resources that are available throughout the GM area.
QOF targets
QOF targets for cancer include two indicators involving the Cancer Care Review. It highlights points in the cancer pathway which may be a key time of need for patients:
• within 3 months – an offer of a cancer care review and information given about support available from primary care
• within 12 months of diagnosis – the offer and delivery of a Cancer Care Review using a structured template
The Cancer Care Review Process
GM Cancer Alliance have designed a protocol to help practices follow through the process of the Cancer Care Review.