Needs Assessment
WHO NEEDS A CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY?
Cancer has staggeringly high incidence rates, nationally and locally.
Across the United States, looking at all forms of cancer, over the course of their life, men have a 1 in 2 chance of developing an invasive cancer and women have a 1 in 3 chance of doing so. 1 The American Cancer Society estimates that 1.5 million cases of cancer are diagnosed annually, with about 20,000 new cancer diagnoses made in Connecticut each year.2
The impact of CSC-SCT goes beyond those diagnosed.
Think of the kids: It’s estimated that almost a quarter of cancer patients in the US have children under 18 living in their households.3
These children, as well as all other relatives, loved ones, caregivers and/or close friends are likely in need of and eligible for membership at CSC-SCT, with the same professional guidance that ensures members are able to navigate our portfolio of psychosocial support services.
The impact of CSC-SCT goes beyond those currently living with cancer.
Support can be a lifelong need. Not surprisingly, the 20,000 annual diagnoses of cancer in Connecticut are creating a growing survivor community. The national 5-year survival rate for all cancers has risen from 50% to 68% when last calculated in 2005.4 Childhood cancer has seen a particularly high increase in survival, rising from 58% to nearly 80% thanks to advances in treatment.5 These survivors, for whom a community of peers can be particularly valuable, are easy to integrate into CSC’s robust programming. CSC-SCT’s focus on fostering a warm community environment where members can “come as you are” (as well as programming that includes options for post-treatment and long-term survivors of all ages) allows individuals to remain active members as long as they need support, whether through formal activities or on a drop-in basis.
1American Cancer Society, Surveillance and Health Policy Research, 2010
2 ibid
3 Rauch, PK, Muriel, AC and Cassem, NH Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2002 Nov 13: 20(21): 4399-4402
4 American Cancer Society, Surveillance and Health Policy Research, 2010
5 Ries LAG, Melbert D, Krapcho M, et al. SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975–2004. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute.
WHY A CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY?
A continuing demand for psychosocial services.
In 2009, Yale University School of Public Health conducted a needs assessment for cancer-related services in Southern Connecticut, funded and supported in part by CSC-SCT. Healthcare professionals, community leaders, cancer patients and survivors were interviewed to assess their knowledge and opinions on the resources available in Southern Connecticut. Research participants were asked to identify gaps in services currently available in the local area. As a result of this assessment, the need for a Cancer Support Community facility in Southern Connecticut was confirmed. Specific areas of need identified included:
- guidance to patients in navigating psychosocial support services,
- programming for caregivers,
- cancer survivor support programs,
- programs that cater to the diverse populations of cancer patients and survivors,
- access to and integration of alternative therapies into cancer treatments,
- information and guidance on nutritional options for patients,
- body image counseling for both men and women, and
- knowledge and access at all stages of cancer, including post-treatment.
Though CSC-SCT is not alone in working to meet these needs, the breadth of our nationally recognized program will uniquely serve the Southern Connecticut region. All these needs would be addressed – in a single, integrated manner – by opening a local Cancer Support Community affiliate.
The Cancer Support Community of Southern Connecticut is poised to become a destination for all people affected by cancer: men, women, children, teens, patients, survivors, caregivers, friends and loved ones. By offering a portfolio of psychosocial support services including multiple offerings for group support, education, healthy lifestyle, social activities, information and referrals, our licensed professionals are able to help each member construct a customized plan that serves their individual needs, despite the diversity of our service population. Financial support for CSC-SCT is a way of maximizing impact to the overall experience of those affected by cancer in Southern Connecticut and providing immediate support to a community with complex and unmet needs.
FREE FOR MEMBERS
All CSC-SCT programs are offered free of charge to members. This is critical to maintaining our community and program success. Fees would inevitably and problematically alter the therapeutic relationship within specific programs. Equally important, while the need for psychosocial services to complement medical care crosses all socioeconomic lines, access to these services is not as universal.
Similarly, cancer can have dramatic effect on the financial resources of a patient and their family regardless of their previous economic status, which can also present obstacles to seeking psychosocial support.
CSC-SCT is a community with no financial barriers for our members. Our members are equals, and form a community based on emotional and social support for each other, accessing program opportunities based on their individual needs, unqualified by ability to pay.
TRANSLATING NEED INTO MEMBERS
Estimates based on similar Cancer Support Community chapters and local demographic information suggest that a minimum of 500 members would utilize our facility annually – with even more individuals to be served through lectures and other educational programs outside our walls through outreach and awareness opportunities. Our ability to serve members is more likely to be limited by available financial support than demand for our program and services.
