001 - Comparing the Advanced Cancer Patient Experiences of Three vs. Six Years after Diagnosis in Japan

This study aims to understand the effect of survey timing on the responses regarding experiences of advanced cancer patients by comparing those who were diagnosed six and three years ago. We hypothesized that the responses of cancer patient experiences may change over time because of the change in the patient's surroundings as well as the changes in types of patients who return the survey. We conducted the nationwide cancer patient experience survey in 2019, for the purpose of evaluating the progress of the Third Cancer Control Plan in Japan. Self-administered questionnaire was distributed to patients with six or three years after diagnosis (Group 1 and Group 2, respectively). We analyzed their answers using design-based weights. Most of the results did not differ between the two groups but responses were different in several aspects of their experiences. For example, overall assessment of treatment on a scale 0-10 tended to be better among the Group 2 (7.47 vs 7.26, p=0.19), and larger proportion of the Group 2 knew about second opinion or cancer support center (38.4% vs 29.9% p=0.03; 74.3% vs 65.6%, p=0.04, respectively). In contrast, more of the Group 1 answered they were able to go out their daily life than the Group 2 (72.4% vs. 63.7%, p=0.03). More respondents in the Group 1 answered that they felt discriminated due to cancer and physical distress compared to the Group 2 (5.8% vs. 2.4%, p<0.01; 59.3% vs. 41.5%, p<0.01, respectively). These differences may be attributable to several factors. From the policy perspective, the National Cancer Control Acceleration Plan was implemented in 2015. Also, some advanced cancer patients may have had quality of life adjustment. Further research is needed to understand the factors for change and differences in order to evaluate the progress of cancer control based on patient experience.

Patients with cancer

Patient experience survey

Cancer survivor 

Beginner

Influence

International Conference on Health Policy Statistics 2023