94 per cent of cancer patients rate care as 'highly positive'

Just 1% of patients ranked the care they received as being between zero and three, according to the research, which was funded by the Scottish Government and Macmillan Cancer Support.

A total of 4,835 people with different forms of the disease completed a survey detailing their experiences of care in the NHS.

Three-quarters (75%) of patients were referred to hospital for tests or treatment after seeing their GP, but while 57% of this group only needed to go to their family doctor once for this to happen, 9% - or 293 patients - made at least five visits to the GP as a result of health problems caused by cancer.

While 86% were treated sensitively when told they had cancer, 12% said they were either by phone, letter or had not felt it was necessary to bring someone else to their appointment for support when diagnosed.

The survey also found about one in five (21%) patients who wanted it received no information regarding self-help or support groups while nearly one in four (23%) who wanted it received no information regarding the impact of cancer on their day-to-day activities.

But the report said: "Most strikingly, however, almost half of patients (49%) who wanted it received no information on financial help or benefits."

More than a quarter (29%) of patients reported not having the side effects of their treatment fully and clearly explained to them before the start.

In addition, almost half (47%) said they were not fully informed about side effects which could potentially occur after their treatment finished.

Of those patents who needed to be treated in hospital as an in-patient, almost a fifth (18%) of those with fears and worries said they were unable to find someone to talk to about them, compared to 9% of day-case patients and out-patients.

Overall, 89% of patients said that the different health professionals treating them worked well together "always" or "most of the time".

But 43% of patients' family or friends were not given all the information needed to help care for their loved one at home, according to the survey.

As the survey results were published, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Health Secretary Shona Robison met cancer patients in Edinburgh to discuss the care they had received.

Ms Sturgeon said: "It is heartening to know that in the majority of cases, patients are satisfied with the care they receive.

"Being diagnosed with cancer can be very traumatic for individuals and their families and it is vital we provide the best possible care and support.

"We know there is more to be done and that's why earlier this year we announced our £100 million cancer strategy, which makes clear the importance of listening to what people with cancer are saying about what matters to them, and acting on what they tell us."

Ms Robison said: "It is essential that people with cancer know about their treatment and are able to access information, advice and support tailored to their individual needs.

"These results give us a sound platform to work from and we look forward to working with Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS health boards in implementing the cancer strategy over the next few years."

Janice Preston, Macmillan's head in Scotland, said: "This survey shows that, without a doubt, offering patients a holistic-needs assessment and care plan is vitally important in ensuring they have a good experience of care.

"We look forward to working closely with the Scottish Government to make sure every cancer patient in the country is offered this as soon as possible".

Labour health spokesman Anas Sarwar said: "While the survey highlights many encouraging responses, there are very clear issues which the SNP government must address with urgency.

"Two-thirds of patients reported not being given a care plan. Waiting times from suspicion to diagnosis continue to be a cause of anxiety.

"We know that too often in Scotland where you are from and how much you earn determines how likely you are to be diagnosed with, and survive, cancer.

"The long-term approach to tackling the problems our NHS faces is to cut the inequalities across our communities. That's why Labour will continue to make the case to use the powers of the Scottish Parliament to invest in our public services rather than carry on with the cuts."

Liberal Democrat health spokesman Alex Cole-Hamilton said: "Doctors and nurses treating people suffering from cancer do fantastic work, but if we look behind the headline figures of this survey there are causes for concern.

"Less than a quarter of people receiving treatment had a care plan despite the new cancer strategy setting the target that all patients should have them in place.

"People without a plan were far more likely to report that they were not getting the support they needed after treatment."

Green MSP Alison Johnstone said: "While it's welcome to hear that in most cases patients are satisfied with the care they receive, there is clearly still work to be done.

Of those who need care at home, it's a concern that only half say they are getting enough support, and similarly only half of those at home after treatment are receiving enough care."

Nicolas White, head of Breast Cancer Care Scotland, said: "It's deeply worrying that an overwhelming two-thirds (63%) of breast-cancer patients feel they're not given enough care and support from health or social services once their treatment stops."

Gregor McNie, Cancer Research UK's senior public affairs manager in Scotland, said: "It is disappointing so few patients said they were involved in a discussion about taking part in cancer research.

"It is also concerning that more deprived groups are less likely to have this conversation as this could show inequitable access for patients looking to participate in research in Scotland."