NHS Cancer Quality of Life Survey

It is well recognised that more people are surviving cancer than ever before. Living with cancer, and the effects of its treatment, can have a significant impact on people’s physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.

Understanding the impact of cancer on a person’s day-to-day life is crucial to ensuring that the treatment, support and services they receive is appropriate and meets their needs. To address this, NHS England launched the Cancer Quality of Life Survey in September 2020.

The survey provides an opportunity for people to share their feelings and highlight how cancer has affected them and their families. The responses will provide insight into the longer-term effects that cancer may have. This will help the NHS identify where improvements or changes in care are needed, so that the NHS can better support those who have had cancer to live as long and as well as possible.

The survey is now being sent to most cancer patients, including those with rarer and less survivable cancers, around 18 months after their diagnosis.

People who complete the survey will be able to access an individual summary report that shows their quality of life scores. The findings can help them identify any ongoing issues or concerns. It can also be used in conversations with healthcare professionals or other relevant individuals to discuss how they are feeling and how they can get further support and care that might be useful to improve their quality of life.

It is important that as many people as possible complete their survey when invited, so that the information collected fully represents our cancer population.

RM Partners, working with the other London cancer alliances, has produced a communications toolkit containing a range of resources and assets that can be used by stakeholders to promote the survey and encourage participation. The resources are available here.

More information, including a full set of FAQs for patients, healthcare staff, and on data protection and confidentiality, is available here.

Ongoing results of the survey, including by location and cancer type, are also available.