Table 1.

General needs and problems among cancer patients

Psychological level	Fear of death or recurrence Guilt feelings about being sick Anger at general practitioner or ‘system’ for not having taken action soon enough Troubles adjusting to new self-image Sense of being left in limbo after discharge from the hospital Risk of developing depression Reconsiderations about priorities in life and how one wants to live life with or after a cancer disease Sexual problems
Social level	Concerns about the well-being of spouse, children and other relatives Changed body image or sexuality Changed position/status in marriage, in family, at work, etc Concerns about possible infertility caused by treatment Information about patient associations and similar groups for patients and relatives
Physical level	Physical capacity according to daily activities, need for special facilities, home care, conversions of the home, etc Need for dietary advice, for example, to prevent undue weight loss Support in order to accept physical changes and late complications like tiredness, amputation, infertility, pain, etc
Work-related level	Concerns about losing one's job Concerns about having to give up one's former responsibilities or change field of work due to reduced ability to work Opportunities for financial support during sick-leave, flexible job, etc Support to keep in contact with workplace during sick-leave
Financial level	Social rights like mileage allowances, reimbursement of assistive technology, etc Concerns about a decrease in income and consequences hereof in relation to housing, spouse, children, etc Conditions regarding pension or incapacity benefit