The NHS released new Quality of Life data on 20th September 2022
Earlier this year, Fight Bladder Cancer called for bladder cancer data from the NHS Cancer Quality of Life Survey to be made publicly available separately, rather than grouped with other cancers. We proudly announce that the bladder cancer dataset is now publicly available to all.
The results show that eighteen months after a bladder cancer diagnosis, people with bladder cancer are more likely to have challenges just completing their usual daily activities, self-care, and mobility than people with other cancer types. They are more likely to report a problem with pain and discomfort, as well as anxiety and depression compared to the general population.
The Cancer Quality of Life Survey is a national survey run by NHS England and NHS Digital. People who have had a cancer diagnosis are being asked to complete the survey around 18 months after their diagnosis. The survey includes a questionnaire that measures overall health (EQ-5D). Fight Bladder Cancer used the results from this questionnaire to compare scores from the cancer survey respondents and the general population.
More people are surviving bladder cancer than ever before. But the long-term impact can be significant. People with bladder cancer report many issues, including mobility, anxiety and mental health problems, and challenges just completing their usual daily activities (such as work, study, housework, family, or leisure).
Insights from patients with bladder cancer are often not separated from those of patients with other urological cancers in key datasets, meaning their distinctive voices and experiences are not heard or understood. These results underline the importance of better understanding the challenges people live with and beyond bladder cancer face so that Fight Bladder Cancer can improve the support we offer.
The dataset can be found at:
https://www.cancerdata.nhs.uk/cancerqol