Understanding Secondary/Metastatic Cancer Summary Report

This report details the key findings of Healthwatch Oldham's research into individuals living with secondary cancer and their experience through the health journey across Greater Manchester. The aim was to understand their journeys, identify systemic challenges, and make recommendations to improve patient care, access to services, and communication across healthcare settings.
The report is based on the experiences of 68 patients who completed the patient survey, 19 professionals who completed a professional survey, and 10 patients who participated in focus groups.
The data was collected between May 2 and July 14, 2024, with focus groups held in late June and early July.

Key findings:

• 36% of patients felt their early symptoms were not taken seriously, potentially delaying diagnosis.
• A significant number experienced delays in referrals, diagnoses, and the commencement of treatment.
• 74% did not receive adequate information about secondary cancer post-primary treatment.
• There were widespread delays and inconsistencies in scan scheduling and result communication.
• Patients reported administrative issues, limited information on clinical trials, and insufficient access to specialist nurses.
• Poor communication between services led to patients repeating information and managing their own care.
• Lack of up-to-date national and regional statistics was seen as a barrier to informed care and service planning.

Key recommendations/issues covered:

• Improve early diagnosis pathways and listen more closely to patient-reported symptoms.
• Increase access to timely scans and clear communication around scheduling.
• Ensure consistent delivery of secondary cancer awareness at the end of primary treatment.
• Expand access to clinical trials and specialist cancer nurses.
• Improve communication between professionals and with patients, using clearer language.
• Promote holistic needs assessments and palliative care awareness.
• Enhance data collection and recording systems for secondary cancer.