Longer lifespans and advances in effective cancer treatments have led to an increase in the number of people who have been diagnosed with cancer at some point in their lives. As the number of cancer survivors rises, it is increasingly important to understand how to best support them through diagnosis, treatment, and beyond. In 2024, we began work with a western state’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Program to answer two questions: what are the needs of the state’s cancer survivors, and where do gaps exist in the availability and accessibility of resources to meet those needs?

This needs assessment was designed to identify not only the top physical, mental/emotional, and practical concerns faced by survivors, but also ways to best support them as they navigate survivorship. To begin, we conducted a literature review on the needs of cancer survivors and the impact of rurality on survivorship. We then surveyed survivors to identify their top concerns and we surveyed cancer care providers to understand the resources available to address those concerns. Additionally, we conducted key informant interviews with both medical and non-medical cancer care providers to learn more about the specific organizations and opportunities currently available to survivors in their state. With the findings from survivors and from providers, we performed a gap analysis to understand what needs were being met and where there were gaps in care. 

Based on the results of the analysis, we identified five key findings relating to survivor needs and resource gaps:

1. Mental health was a top concern for survivors.

2. Survivors struggle with the financial burden of survivorship–and resources can be hard to find.

3. A strong support network makes navigating survivorship easier.

4. Not all providers share the same understanding of the resources available to cancer survivors.

5. Each concern faced by survivors has the potential to impact other areas of well-being.

Based on our findings, we recommended the following to address gaps in survivor resources and approaches to survivorship care:

• Create and maintain a comprehensive, widely accessible resource hub for cancer survivors and cancer care providers in the state.

• Prepare survivors to navigate paying for medical and non-medical expenses by sharing details about the tools and resources available to assist with the financial burden of survivorship.

• Increase access to support groups for survivors to share experiences, get emotional support, and receive guidance from other survivors.

• Adopt a whole-person approach to survivorship care.

We believe that every individual has a different and deeply personal experience of survivorship. This needs assessment was not meant to completely capture that nuance or to speak to every survivor’s experience, but to serve as a jumping off point for organizations as they build programs and resources to help address the needs of cancer survivors.

Our goal with cancer survivorship needs assessments is to offer some insight as to what those needs are, the current availability of resources that address them, and the ways we can work together to lift up and support cancer survivors.