Scottish cancer patient experience survey 2015-2016: exploring differences in patient experiences

Cancer Status

Respondents were asked whether their cancer had spread to other organs or parts of the body at the time they were first told they had cancer and whether their cancer had been taken out/treated without any sign of further problems. Based on the responses to these questions, each respondents was assigned to one of two sub-categories – those whose cancer had remained or spread and those whose had been taken out/treated without any sign of further problems.

This factor was found to affect 28 out of the 47 questions analysed – around three fifths. Of these, 27 questions were more negative for those whose cancer had remained or spread. These questions showed no clear associations to specific areas of care.

The question asking whether anyone had discussed taking part in cancer research with them since their diagnosis showed more positive results for those whose cancer had remained or spread.