NEARLY HALF OF NHS TRUSTS LACK FORMAL PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT PATHWAY FOR CANCER PATIENTS AFTER TREATMENT

About the Research

New research by Future Dreams reveals a postcode lottery in post-treatment psychological support, with access varying dramatically across England. Freedom of Information responses from 81 NHS Trusts providing acute cancer care show that cancer patients in England face a postcode lottery in post-treatment mental health support.

Findings

Almost half (48%) of NHS Trusts lack a formal survivorship pathway that includes psychological support, and 15% report no post-treatment support at all. The proportion of Trusts with a formal survivorship pathway ranges from 88% in the South West to 20% in the East of England.

• 48% of Trusts lack a formal survivorship pathway that includes psychological support
• 15% report no post-treatment support at all
• 88% of Trusts in the South West have a formal survivorship pathway, compared to 20% in the East of England

Support Availability

The research found that 22% of Trusts place formal time limits on psychological support, with access in some areas ending within months of treatment finishing or after a fixed number of sessions. More than a third (39%) of Trusts provide some form of post-treatment support but have no formal survivorship pathway in place.

• 22% of Trusts place formal time limits on psychological support
• 39% of Trusts provide some form of post-treatment support but have no formal survivorship pathway in place

Quotes from Experts

Sam Jacobs, CEO at Future Dreams, said: “These findings paint a worrying picture of the support available to cancer patients once treatment ends.” Dr Fharat Raja, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Future Dreams Trustee, added: “For many cancer patients, diagnosis is followed by an intense focus on getting through treatment. There is rarely the time or space to process how this life-changing event is affecting someone, their family, career and wider life.”

Joanna Franks, Consultant Breast and Oncoplastic Surgeon and Future Dreams Trustee, said: “Breast cancer treatment doesn’t end when treatment ends. Many patients go on to live long and fulfilling lives, but the physical and psychological effects of cancer can remain for years afterwards.” Zoe Yessaian, Senior NHS Mental Health Nurse and breast cancer survivor, said: “Despite working in mental health, I still found the emotional impact of breast cancer incredibly difficult.”

Methodology

Future Dreams submitted Freedom of Information requests to NHS Trusts in England providing acute cancer care. The request asked about dedicated mental health or psychological support for adult cancer patients following the completion of primary treatment. A total of 81 NHS Trusts were included in the final analysis.