| This study identifies the unmet needs and health-related quality of life (HRQL) of cancer patients who attend a community-based cancer support organization, as well as examines the relationship between these needs and HRQL. Adult patients (n=111) with cancer were recruited from a Midwestern private, non-profit, community-based cancer support organization. Study participants responded to a mailed survey and provided information on demographics, needs related to their cancer experience, and HRQL. The demographic characteristics and HRQL of those attending the community-based organization are compared to published HRQL norms. Participants' perceived needs are described and the relationship between perceived needs and HRQL is examined. The hypothesis that participants would more likely be Non-Hispanic white, female, and diagnosed with breast cancer compared to the general cancer population was supported. Participants also had a clinically significant higher physical, functional, and overall HRQL compared to the general cancer population. This study's sample demonstrated an overall low degree of unmet needs. The majority of the needs most often endorsed were within the psychological domain. As hypothesized, overall unmet needs, as well as physical, psychological, health systems/information, patient care and support, and sexuality needs, were negatively correlated with overall HRQL. With two exceptions, each of the needs domains also negatively correlated with each of the HRQL domains. The results of this study suggest that cancer patients who attend community-based cancer support organizations are a distinct subset of the cancer population. It is posited that this population had fewer reported unmet needs and an overall higher reported HRQL than the general cancer population due to their being of a higher socioeconomic status and better educated, thereby having greater access to resources. Implications for treatment and future research are discussed. |
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