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Abstract Purpose The experiences of cancer care can be mediated by many different factors and this narrative literature review aims to explore the experiences of cancer care in relation to people with intellectual disabilities receiving cancer treatment. Method We undertook a search for articles in English from (Jan) 2000–(Feb) 2018 using Medline, CINAHL, ScienceDirect, ASSIA and Wiley. The inclusion criteria are 2000–2018, English language and focussing on experiences of cancer journey. We used a narrative approach and thematically analysed the data. Results There were 10 papers that met our inclusion/exclusion criteria. The themes generated included communication issues, information giving and decision-making. The literature suggests that communication and decision-making within cancer care are often mediated through support workers or family carers with minimal involvement of the person with intellectual disabilities. Information-giving by health professionals and support workers to people with intellectual disabilities was limited. This was often justified by the perceived distress this may cause. Conclusion Training for health professionals and support workers in supporting people with intellectual difficulties is required for more effective communication in cancer care. Highlights • Health professionals need to explore the problems of navigating cancer treatment for people with intellectual disabilities. • Adequate time and planning needs to be designated to consultations involving decision-making. • Oncology nurses need training in supporting patients with intellectual disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we examine the challenges of informal carers supporting someone with dementia and cancer within the United Kingdom. Interviews were conducted with seven informal carers using a narrative approach to examine the construction of their experiences. Our findings demonstrate how informal carers navigate a path through complex cancer treatments and support their relative. A cancer diagnosis often requires multiple treatment visits to an oncology center, and this can be challenging for carers. They find that they need to coordinate and manage both health professionals and their relative in terms of getting access to appropriate services and support. This process can be particularly challenging in the presence of a cognitive impairment that often demands effective communication with different agencies. Carers frequently experienced multiple challenges including dealing with the stigma that is characteristic of the dementia experience and the added complexity of negotiating this within a cancer care context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper seeks to highlight the challenges facing researchers when recruiting vulnerable patients to a research study. We explore the difficulties experienced in gatekeeping for a project involving people with dementia, intellectual disabilities and mental health problems who are also having treatment for cancer. It is argued that the challenges in identifying and recruiting vulnerable participants extend beyond ethics committees and governance to the perceptions and judgements of health care professionals in ‘allowing’ access to particular patient groups. These positions and judgements appear to be embedded in certain construction(s) of cancer and discourses surrounding dementia, intellectual disabilities and mental health. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims and objectives To explore health professionals' perceptions of the needs of patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. Background Patients with vulnerabilities face additional challenges. People with learning difficulties are often protected from even basic cancer information; patients with severe mental illness are open to structural discrimination with limited access to diagnostic and treatment services. There is also a much poorer survival rate after a cancer diagnosis for patients living with dementia. Design A qualitative design was used. Methods A focus group design was undertaken for this project using a narrative analytical approach revealing how narrative tales are presented and performed. Eighteen healthcare workers were recruited from a regional oncology centre in North West England. Two focus groups were conducted with nine participants in each. The data were collected from late 2011-2012. Results Participants were primarily focused on getting patients through treatment. The identification of vulnerability was an 'extra' complication and one that in practice was difficult to define/categorise. The participants appreciated the wider inclusion of family and friends to support vulnerable patients although they felt formalised health care was not particularly facilitative of this process. There were difficulties in achieving support for complex patient needs in the presence of a target driven culture. Conclusions Healthcare professionals need wider managerial and cultural support in meeting the needs of vulnerable patients. There appeared to be a tendency by healthcare professionals to minimise the inherent coping abilities of vulnerable patients. Relevance to clinical practice There is a clear need to support health professionals in providing appropriate resources in order to address the complex needs of vulnerable patients. This requires a cultural shift away from targets and an investment into greater resources for effective multidisciplinary working. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reviews nutritional issues related to cancer treatment and further explores nutritional needs pertinent to cancer survivorship. It examines the major problems with nutrition when patients undergo the main cancer treatment modalities of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Particular attention is paid to long-term dietary advice in acknowledgement of the improved effectiveness of cancer treatment and the chronic nature of the condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]