A first ever survey of the experiences of people seeking outpatient cancer treatment in the New Zealand health system reveals similarities with Australia and Canada. In general there were very high satisfaction levels, balanced by plenty of room for improvement.

The Cancer Control Council has released the Voice of Experience Part One report with initial results of its survey of cancer patients' experiences of care in the public health system.

The results show 97 percent of survey respondents were satisfied with publicly funded outpatient cancer care.

"Most people were very positive about their care co-ordination and the level of privacy, dignity and respect provided. The majority also felt that care providers were doing everything they could to treat their cancer," says Professor Chris Atkinson, Chair of the Cancer Control Council.

"However, these initial results show there are a number of areas where improvements can be made including emotional support, explanations for waiting times and considering treatment within the context of people's lives," says Professor Atkinson.

Opportunities for improvement include:  Provision of information about possible changes in relationships, sexual activity and emotions  Explanations for any delays in treatment  Help with anxiety and fears [about their diagnosis and treatment]  Taking into account patients' living situations when planning treatment - including travel concerns

The results are similar to the experiences of cancer patients in Australia and Canada.

The summary "What We Learnt From Patient Experiences - Part One" is available here http://cancercontrolcouncil.govt.nz/files/What%20we%20learnt.pdf. The full report is available herehttp://cancercontrolcouncil.govt.nz/files/Voice%20of%20Experience.pdf.

The Part One report was produced to provide preliminary survey results in time to inform this year's cancer treatment service annual planning. More in-depth analysis of the data and specific recommendations will be presented in the next report, due by mid 2010.

"The survey results and analysis will be used to help measure and monitor the delivery of cancer care," says Professor Atkinson.

2,221 people responded to the survey - a very high 68 percent response rate. People surveyed had completed a phase of outpatient cancer treatment in the previous 12 months and sought treatment at one of eight designated cancer treatment facilities.

The Cancer Control Council is a Ministerial Advisory Committee providing an independent and sustainable focus on cancer control through strategic advice to the Minister of Health.