ObjectivesPatients are living longer with active, advanced or metastatic disease that cannot be cured, but may be managed (ie, ‘chronic cancer’). The experiences and needs within this growing group are likely to be different from those shortly after diagnosis, on active curative treatment, or in the palliative or end-of-life phase, yet are poorly defined. We described chronic cancer patient experiences and support needs in a quantitative, multicentre cross-sectional study.MethodsPatients from five district general hospitals in England completed the 75-item Chronic Cancer Experiences Questionnaire (CCEQ). Responses were described and linear regression analysis was performed to explore the associations between poorer patient experiences and clinical/sociodemographic variables.ResultsIn total, 416 patients with prostate cancer (28%), breast cancer (24%), gynaecological cancer (19%), colorectal/gastrointestinal cancer (17%) and renal cancer (12%) completed the CCEQ (response rate 90%). Younger patients, those who had a longer interval between primary and advanced diagnosis and those not in a relationship, had worse experiences (R2=0.098, p<0.05). Cancer-specific symptoms were common, with 80% of participants experiencing fatigue. Areas related to poorest experiences include the coordination of care, general practitioner involvement, coping with limitations, and worries and anxieties.ConclusionsPsychological burden remains high in the chronic phase of cancer, and patients experience ongoing difficulties in accessing support and services. Younger patients who have been ill for longer and those who have less social support may be particularly vulnerable, and future studies are needed to investigate the best way to meet the unique needs of this growing patient population.

Background Many advanced cancers are managed as chronic diseases, yet there are currently no international guidelines for the support of patients living with chronic cancer. It is important to understand whether care and service arrangements meet the needs of this rapidly growing patient group. This study aimed to develop

MethodsPatient views were elicited via a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The TT forms were analysed descriptively evaluating completion and data quality, reported symptoms and their severity; and advice given (including admission rates). ResultsPatients (n=40) reported high satisfaction with the new AOS. However, 56% of patients delayed 2 days or more before contacting the unit.In 2011, 26% of all admitted patients were triaged via the TT system; 133 TT forms were completed. In June 2013, 49% of admitted patients were triaged; 264 forms were completed.The most commonly-reported symptoms on the TT forms were pain, pyrexia/rigors/infection, diarrhoea, vomiting and dyspnoea. Half of patients using the TT system were admitted (52% in 2011, 49% in 2013) ConclusionsOur audit provided evidence of successful implementation of the TT system with the number TT forms doubling from 2011 to 2013. The new AOS was endorsed by patients, with the majority satisfied with the care they received. 3 BACKGROUND