Aims: Although elevated psychological distress is commonly reported among cancer patients, our understanding of patients’ preferences for and perceived barriers to accessing psychological support from key cancer care providers is limited. The aim of this study was to assess cancer patients’ level of concern about, and willingness to discuss, their anxiety and depression.

Methods: Radiation oncology outpatients attending one of two radiation oncology treatment centres in metropolitan Australia completed a touchscreen computer survey assessing their concern about and willingness to discuss anxiety and depression. This survey was embedded within a larger patient survey that assessed perceptions of patient-centred cancer care.

Results: Of the 211 eligible patients, 184 (87%) consented and 145 of these (79%) completed the survey. Overall, 51% (95% CI: 43-59%) indicated they were “a little”; “somewhat” or “very much” concerned about their levels of anxiety, and 34% (95% CI: 26-42%) about their levels of depression. If experiencing anxiety or depression, 92% (95% CI: 87-96%) would want to discuss this with their general practitioner (GP), and 60% (95% CI: 52-68%) with their cancer doctor. Almost half (n = 28; 48%, 95% CI: 35%-62%) of the respondents who would not want their cancer doctor to talk to them about these issues endorsed the reason for this as having “more important things to talk about at their appointment”.

Conclusions: This study identified high levels of patient concern about anxiety and depression. These findings provide additional support for the importance of GP and oncologist initiation and negotiation of discussions about cancer patients’ psychosocial concern