Unmet cancer rehabilitation needs and access to survivorship services across the cancer continuum.

PURPOSE: To investigate perceived rehabilitation needs and service utilisation amongst people living with and beyond cancer in a large Comprehensive Cancer Centre in Ireland and examine associations between impairment and demographic and clinical parameters.

METHODS

Utilising a prospective, observational design, a consecutive sample of participants attending outpatient clinics was enrolled in June and July 2025. Demographic data, clinical data, and use of allied health professional (AHP) cancer rehabilitation services were self-reported. Unmet needs were captured using the Macmillan Holistic Needs Assessment. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate regression models.

RESULTS

In total, 660 surveys were analysed. Most participants were female (58.2%) and aged between 56 and 75 years (54%). Haematological cancers (25.6%) and breast cancers (22.9%) were the two largest cohorts, and most patients (57%) were currently on treatment. Prevalence of AHP cancer rehabilitation needs was considerable with an average of 71% of patients reporting at least one specialist need and 49% reporting at least two specialist needs across professions. On treatment status was consistently associated with greater odds of patients reporting specialised needs. However, only 36% of patients with perceived needs reported seeing a relevant AHP since their diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Results confirm that patient-reported rehabilitation needs are significant across the cancer trajectory, however utilisation of cancer rehabilitation AHPs is suboptimal.

IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Strategic development of the cancer rehabilitation AHP workforce and service models is required to mitigate the impact of cancer and its treatment on functional, nutritional, and psychosocial patient outcomes, and optimise health-related quality of life.