Exploring the barriers to optimal survivorship care for people living with Cancer in NSW

The study aims to understand the perceptions and provision of survivorship care among cancer survivors and identify barriers to optimal care. The findings will also provide insights to help Cancer Council NSW to develop policy recommendations to ensure survivors receive comprehensive support throughout their post-treatment journey.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among cancer survivors aged 18 and older who had completed active treatment (n = 209). Data on survivorship care experiences, barriers to access, and unmet needs were collected. Firth logistic and ordinal regression models were used to analyse associations between outcomes (ease of accessing care, information about supportive care, care effectiveness, and unmet needs) and demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical predictors.

Most patients (64.2%) received information about supportive care services, and 72.2% felt their needs were met, but only 44.8% found access easy. Educational level was significantly associated with the effectiveness of care after treatment; while lacking a survivorship care plan was associated with lower perceived effectiveness of care after treatment (adjusted OR: 12.80, P < 0.001). Women reported significantly greater difficulty accessing supportive care services (adjusted OR: 0.08, P = 0.004) compared to men. Key barriers included high costs and long appointment wait times, particularly for psychological support, exercise physiology and specialist care.

Addressing barriers to survivorship care in NSW requires targeted policy interventions, including financial support, enhanced access across gender groups, and standardised survivorship care plans.

The findings assist Cancer Council NSW advocate for policy recommendations to enhance survivorship care services, ensuring equitable access for all cancer survivors.