Supportive Care Needs of Iranian Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND: A supportive needs assessment is an essential component of any care program. There is no research evidence regarding the supportive care needs of cancer patients in Iran or other Middle Eastern countries. AIMS: The aim of this study was to determine the supportive care needs of Iranian cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted in a referral medical center in the northwest of Iran. A total of 274 cancer patients completed the Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS-59). Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. RESULTS: In 18 items of the SCNS, more than 50% of the participants reported that their needs were unmet. Most frequently, unmet needs were related to the health system, information, physical, and daily living domains, and most met needs were related to sexuality, patient care, and support domains. CONCLUSIONS: Iranian cancer patients experience many unmet needs and there is an urgent need for establishing additional supportive care services in Iran.