Table 2.

Summarising the features, needs and care requirements of the three cancer groups

Group 1: longer term survival	Group 2: intermediate survival	Group 3: shorter term survival
People with a group 1 cancer typically have an early stage, potentially curable cancer and a prognosis of a decade or more. Most people survive in the long term, often in relatively good health (and many live for more than a decade)	People with a group 2 cancer often have treatable but not curable disease, typically having multiple lines of treatment. Most people experience cancer as a complex ongoing disease similar to a long-term condition	People with a group 3 cancer typically develop advanced disease and often have <12 months prognosis. Most people have relatively poor health
Often face long-term consequences of their cancer and its treatment. May face recurrence even years after primary treatment	Often have a complex pathway, with multiple decision points, commonly experience relapse or recurrence	Often face short survival times, mostly incurable disease and complex, time-sensitive decisions needed
Focus on recovery and long-term quality of life: Reduce unnecessary overtreatment, focus on its impact on recovery and late effects38 Management of co-morbidities Recovery package, including stratified pathways and self-care with support and open access39 Periodic monitoring of heath, eg, for cardio function and fatigue25	Care must preserve quality of life through balance of: Acute intervention Chronic illness management27 Palliative care principals40 Shared care between patient and clinician39 Acknowledgement that cancer is likely to be life-limiting Recognition when move to dying phase	Balance of anticancer treatment and palliative care to maintain quality of life. Focus care on: Complex case management Good treatment and supportive specialist palliative care41 Early access to palliative care42 Early diagnosis