Patient representatives have come up with a list of 5 wishes that they want to receive from their GPs. These were not specific to cancer patients but obviously apply.

• Eye Contact
  This is about connecting with the patient and good communication skills.
• Partnership
  Patients want to be consulted on their condition treatment and prognosis.
• Communication
  A vital component of all clinical care.
• Time
  Patients want time to explain things to doctors and time for the doctor to explain things to them.
• Appointments
  Patients do not appreciate inappropriate and unnecessary long waits to see their doctor.

Studies have also been done looking at what people whose lives are specifically affected by cancer want and need. These have shown that patients with cancer want:

• To be treated as individuals and to be given dignity and respect.
• Access to the best treatment and to be able to exercise real choice about their treatment and care.
• Good management of symptoms.
• To know that their family and other carers will also receive help and support during their illness and if bereaved.
• If needed, to be offered emotional, social, and spiritual support.
• To be able to be cared for or to die in the place of their choice, often their own home.

Most patients want to receive detailed information about their condition and possible treatments in an honest, timely and sensitive way.

In considering what patients and carers need and want, it will be important to also:

• Recognise that patients have different needs at different times of their illness and plans may have to be reviewed.
• Value the expertise and resources that patients and families already have, these enable them to contribute to their own care and support.
• Make sure that services take account of people's background and culture and are accessible to people with disability.