حمایت: اصلی ترین نیاز بیماران مبتلا به سرطان در زمان مواجهه با تشخیص بیماری

Background and purpose: Cancer is one of the most common growing diseases. According to statistics, its incidence in East Mediterranean region and Iran is increasingly growing. Considering the rise in the number of patients with cancer and threatening nature of this disease as well as problems of the patients and their families, the necessity to know and to understand the patients’ needs and problems, especially after revealing cancer diagnosis is imperative. Recognizing patients’ needs will help in resolving their problems. The aim of this study was to understand patients’ needs when confronted with cancer diagnosis. Materials and methods: Using qualitative approach, the present study was done with content analysis method application. Nineteen participants including patients, physicians, nurses and patients’ close relatives were chosen amongst the clients of an oncology unit, a cancer clinic, and a cancer patients support center. Purposeful sampling method was applied at the beginning and continued until data saturation was achieved. Face to face interview and taking field notes were used to collect the data. All the interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Results: Five hundred and sixty five primary codes in four categories were obtained which consisted of 'supports of family and friends', 'effective interaction of medical staffs with patients', 'services offered by supportive organizations' and 'necessity to inform and prepare the patients'. The main common theme of categories was 'support' which was the major need of patients with cancer. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that when the diagnosis of cancer is made, patients will have a lot of needs. Recognizing these demands by health authorities and clinical staffs could improve their interaction with patients.