Background and Aim
Consumers’ (patients and carers) perceptions of radiotherapy (RT) and issues around its access may influence their decisions regarding RT and thus act as barriers to RT uptake. The current study aimed to examine consumers' perceptions of various factors that may influence decisions regarding RT.
Methods
Current or past cancer patients (and carers) were invited to complete a custom survey which was administered in electronic (Survey Monkey) and hard copy formats. The electronic survey link was disseminated through multiple patient support and advocacy groups throughout NSW: Cancer Council and other support groups; Prostate Cancer Foundation Australia; Breast Cancer Network Australia; Kylie Johnson Lung Cancer Foundation; and Cancer Voices. Hard copy surveys were mailed to those who responded to study invitations placed in local newspapers across NSW.
Results
1283 respondents participated via electronic (n=1245) and hard copy (n = 38) surveys. 84% were female, 81% were current or past patients, and the majority (82%) had a breast cancer diagnosis. Overall 78% had been offered RT and had accepted it. 14 (1%) had declined RT due to practical difficulties or “inconvenience” and 87 (7%) had declined for other reasons. The issues perceived to be moderate to strong influencers of RT decisions were concern about acute and long term side effects of RT, management of side effects and fear and anxiety regarding RT. 20 – 25% of respondents rated lack of the following to be moderate to strong influencers of RT decisions: local RO services, local awareness of RT; transport and accommodation supports; information resources pertaining to RT
Conclusions
Fear and anxiety regarding RT and perceived side effects appear to feature prominently during RT decisions. There is perceived lack of awareness regarding RT, RT related information resources and supports services. Further understanding of these issues can inform appropriate interventions to improve RT utilization.