[Unmet Needs from the Cancer Patient Perspective]

An unmet needs survey was conducted among cancer patients, their families, and others affected by cancer during the 10-year period from 2011 to 2022 to clarify the actual situation regarding access to information, treatment choices, daily quality of life, and psychosocial support from the perspective of cancer patients, and to explore characteristics, problems, and issues in the categories of common cancers, rare cancers, and pediatric cancers. The desire for successful treatment itself is the same regardless of the type of cancer. However, economic and psychological burdens are closely related to age and life stage, and second opinions and necessary information differ by cancer type. Aspects of daily living difficulties, hospital visits, and financial burdens are also apparent. In addition, a comparison with a survey of clinical trials taken exclusively with rare cancer patients in 2018 was discussed. We believe that focusing on these differences will lead to measures to address unmet needs so that no one is left behind.