Background: Advances in early detection and treatment have significantly improved cancer survival rates. However, the various unmet needs experienced by survivors after treatment can impact their mental and social well-being, playing a critical role in their quality of life (QoL). This study aims to identify the key unmet needs of cancer survivors in Korea and evaluate their relationship with quality of life.
Aim: This study aimed to identify key unmet needs among cancer survivors and evaluate their association with quality of life (QoL).
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at four cancer centers in Korea, involving 339 survivors diagnosed with one or more of six major cancers (stomach, colorectal, liver, breast, gynecological, and lung) who had completed active treatment. Participants were recruited through hospitals and completed a structured questionnaire online (92.7%) or in person (8.3%). Unmet needs were assessed across seven domains using a validated tool (Jong-Hock Park, Development of cancer care quality assurance and cancer patients' welfare system, 2009). QoL was measured using EQ-5D-3L and EQ-VAS. Among the seven domains of unmet needs and subgroup comparisons were performed using t-tests and ANOVA.
Conclusion: Among the seven domains of unmet needs, the information and education domain had the highest unmet needs (80.3%), followed by hospital facilities and services (75.7%), psychological issues (70.7%), family and interpersonal relationships (60.0%), social support (59.1%), spiritual concerns (58.6%), and physical symptoms (57.3%). Unmet needs varied significantly by time since diagnosis, age, gender, economic status, and residence. Survivors with higher unmet needs (top 50%) had significantly lower QoL (EQ-5D: 0.85±0.13 vs. 0.92±0.10; EQ-VAS: 65.65±18.19 vs. 75.29±15.94; both p < .001) than the lower needs group.
Improving QoL among cancer survivors requires addressing unmet needs, particularly through tailored interventions that consider individual characteristics. This is essential for supporting their long-term survivorship.