RESUMO
BACKGROUND: A diagnosis of cancer places huge psychological and physical demands on individuals. Early stage cancer patients will frequently experience depression and elevated levels of anxiety. OBJECTIVE: This article summarises the available cancer services, categorised to address patient needs, and suggests suitable times to provide this information to patients. DISCUSSION: Cancer patients report a moderate to high need for help regarding their ability to cope with their illness and its treatment, emotional support, information provision and relations with staff at treatment centres. General practitioners are involved in cancer care, from initial screening to palliative care. Therefore it is essential that GPs are up-to-date with the available cancer services to assist in meeting patient needs in cancer care.
