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A study of quality of life in cancer patients receiving palliative chemotherapy

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  • Payne, S. A.

Abstract

Although primary treatment for cancer has been associated with psychosocial distress, less research has focused on patients with advanced disease. Traditionally, the outcomes of treatment have been assessed using biomedical criteria, including tumour regression, progression and survival. It is argued that these data are inadequate to understand the impact of cancer upon the patient. Instead, quality of life considerations are crucial when treatments are aversive, especially when the aims are palliative rather than curative. Fifty-three patients with advanced breast cancer or ovarian cancer were studied prospectively for 6 months to assess whether the site and method of chemotherapy administration influenced their quality of life. Patients received palliative chemotherapy either at home or in hospital. Quality of life was operationalized as measurement of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, health locus of control, physical performance and symptoms. In addition, semi-structured interviews explored social roles, relationships, and perceptions of treatment. Hospital administered chemotherapy was perceived to be most distressing. Regression analysis indicated that anxiety and depression accounted for most of the variance in quality of life. Patients who died during the study 13 (24%) experienced considerable psychological and physical morbidity. Women over 60 years, experienced less psychological and physical distress. Quality of life broadens the criteria by which cancer treatments are evaluated, to include the experience of the patient.

Suggested Citation

  • Payne, S. A., 1992. "A study of quality of life in cancer patients receiving palliative chemotherapy," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 35(12), pages 1505-1509, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:35:y:1992:i:12:p:1505-1509
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    Cited by:

    1. Candida Mastroianni & Caterina Viscomi & Silvia Ceniti & Rosanna Simone & Aldo Filice & Gennaro Caldarola & Stefania Infusino & Caterina Manfredi & Antonio Rea & Claudia Sandomenico & Salvatore Turano, 2008. "Preferences of Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer for Treatment with Oral or Intravenous Chemotherapy," The Patient: Patient-Centered Outcomes Research, Springer;International Academy of Health Preference Research, vol. 1(3), pages 181-187, July.
    2. Stacey, Clare Louise & Henderson, Stuart & MacArthur, Kelly R. & Dohan, Daniel, 2009. "Demanding patient or demanding encounter?: A case study of a cancer clinic," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 69(5), pages 729-737, September.

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