Survey: My Cancer Navigator boosts patient confidence and knowledge
BRUSSELS – The Anticancer Fund presents the findings of a survey conducted in partnership with KU Leuven and Optigage. The study examines the impact of My Cancer Navigator, the personal information service offered by the Anticancer Fund, and specifically designed to support cancer patients. Explore the outcomes of the survey and understand how My Cancer Navigator is making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.
Empowering cancer patients with My Cancer Navigator
My Cancer Navigator serves as a resource for cancer patients and their families, providing clear, reliable and evidence-based information about cancer and cancer treatments. This personalised service aims to empower patients with knowledge and confidence, ultimately guiding them to make informed decisions about their treatment.
Survey results reveal a positive impact
The survey, conducted from February to April 2023, gathered feedback from 109 users of My Cancer Navigator. The results speak for themselves:
- Boosted well-being:
72.5% of users reported feeling more emotionally supported. For example, some patients are less overwhelmed or anxious about the diagnosis because the service provided clear and comforting information. - Increased knowledge:
an impressive 86.3% expressed a greater understanding of their condition and treatment options. For instance, a patient who was initially confused about chemotherapy options used My Cancer Navigator to get an evidence-based explanation, which helped to make an informed decision. - Improved coping skills:
nearly 70% of patients felt better equipped to handle their disease. Patients who are struggling with the emotional impact of the illness, find strategies and resources through My Cancer Navigator to cope more effectively day-to-day. - Support for caregivers:
76.4% of caregivers said to be more capable of helping their patients and loved ones through treatment after talking to a physician of My Cancer Navigator. For example, a caregiver received information by My Cancer Navigator to better understand the patient’s treatment plan, which improved care at home. - Enhanced communication:
nearly half of the users found it easier to discuss treatment preferences (48.5%) and make decisions (44.0%) with healthcare professionals, as they were prepared for their doctor’s appointment by My Cancer Navigator, allowing them to discuss their concerns. - Changes in treatment:
over half of the participants (52.0%) mentioned a change in their disease management. This includes lifestyle changes, such as engaging in more physical activities, to improve quality of life.
These results underscore the impactful role of My Cancer Navigator in supporting cancer patients and their caregivers. By providing reliable and understandable information about cancer and cancer treatments, My Cancer Navigator enables cancer patients to navigate their cancer journey well-informed, and with confidence.
Dr. Gabry Kuijten, Director Patient Information at the Anticancer Fund:
“The results of this survey confirm the informal feedback we have been receiving for years from those we support with My Cancer Navigator.
Our service emerges as a valuable tool for individuals affected by cancer who seek to become more informed and actively involved in their treatment decisions.
My Cancer Navigator can even serve as a bridge to improved patient-healthcare provider communication and, consequently, better informed decision-making.”
Continuing Support and Improvement
The Anticancer Fund remains committed to enhancing My Cancer Navigator to better meet the evolving needs of cancer patients and their families. Feedback is invaluable as we strive to improve accessibility, relevance, and support through our service.
We are sincerely grateful to Jorn Hermans, from KU Leuven, who dedicated his Biomedical Sciences master thesis to this survey. Furthermore, we’d like to thank Isabelle Huys and Rosanne Janssens from KU Leuven, and Manuel Bollue and Patrick Deroost from Optigage for their support into the conceptualisation, preparation and conduct of this survey.