Advanced Cancer

Evidence about self-management from chronic diseases such as asthma, diabetes, and heart failure cannot be directly applied to advanced cancer because of its unique trajectory. Advanced cancer is increasingly common and patients are living longer with medical, psychosocial, practical, and existential consequences. Self-management may be particularly difficult for patients with advanced disease, worsening symptoms, lower educational attainment, or lower health literacy, and healthcare professionals should recognise this variability. The study population had diverse cancer types, with lung (25.1%), breast (18.1%), colorectal (16.8%), and prostate (15.5%) cancer most common. Because patients with advanced cancer spend most of their time outside formal healthcare settings, they are expected to take an active role in managing symptoms, medications, and interactions with healthcare services.