Introduction
The National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) conducts an annual State of Survivorship Survey, in partnership with Edge Research, to delve into the cancer patient and survivor journey. This study captures a range of perspectives to better understand how NCCS can support its mission to advocate for quality cancer care for all.
Conducted in the spring and summer of 2022, the research helps NCCS build upon and track findings from previous years to better understand the differences in survivor attitudes, experiences, and needs. Through 15 in-depth interviews and a nationwide survey of 2,078 patients and survivors, 670 of whom have a connection to NCCS, this survey highlights the experiences and impact that cancer treatment and care have for survivors. Survey respondents in the national sample represent a wide range of stages of diagnosis, demographics, and socioeconomic levels, and NCCS used a sampling plan to ensure the survey was representative of cancer patients nationally by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and region (based on data from the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute). All data presented are from the national sample (n=1408) unless otherwise noted.
Overall, the data repeatedly show that significant disparities exist in the experience of cancer care, with a disproportionate effect among specific populations, including people of color, young adults, women, and individuals with metastatic cancer. Also, as we’ve seen in previous years, respondents who are connected to NCCS consistently had higher expectations and lower satisfaction in their assessments of quality care and were more likely to feel empowered to be active in their care. NCCS’s mission is to advocate for quality cancer care for all people touched by cancer. The data in this survey demonstrate an urgent and ongoing need to fulfill this mission.