The Canadian Cancer Survivor Network conducted a survey in April 2013 the discover the impact that being involved in volunteer advocacy and/or the development of public policy has on cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and family members. 51 people completed the survey. Findings were that patient advocacy generally has a positive impact on the self-image of those doing it, that many volunteer advocates felt better, prouder, more useful, more hopeful, more effective and more powerful. Still others felt less angry, less anxious, and less sad. But some survey respondents did feel sadder, angrier, less hopeful and less content. CCSN recommends that organizations ensure that cancer patients involved in advocacy activities receive skills to help them and support to deal with the often slow-moving and sometimes frustrating healthcare, cancer care and government systems in Canada.
We would like to thank the patients, survivors, caregivers and family members for their help in making this research project a success!
To view the presentation, please go to The involvement of patients and survivors in volunteer advocacy