Understanding the blood cancer experience in Canada to better provide support

Abstract

The experience of being diagnosed and treated for a blood cancer is complex, with many deeply personal and difficult turning points for an individual and his or her family. Blood cancer survivors, those diagnosed more recently, and their caregivers benefit from receiving step-by-step support in a personalized, individual-focused manner. They need this support across all aspects of their lives and for the duration of their cancer experience. People affected by a blood cancer require practical information and programs addressing day-to-day living, as well as psychosocial, familial, and mental health support from diagnosis through to long-term survivorship or palliative care.