Cancer survivors and quality of life: a critical review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
To review and analyze the nature of quality of life (QOL) as a critical construct in psychosocial oncology research and to offer direction for future research in studies of cancer survivors.


METHODS
Select and representative empirical studies of cancer survivors and QOL outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
A consensus exists that the concept of QOL is multidimensional and subjective in nature and thereby requires a methodologic approach that examines the cognitive processes by which individuals achieve QOL.


CONCLUSIONS
Healthcare providers best ensure adequate clinical care for cancer survivors when both the biomedical and psychosocial effects of disease on health, well-being, and function are known as well as the varied ways in which these individuals adapt and live the remainder of their lives.
Zebrack
B
B
UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Cancer Prevention and Control Research, USA. BZebrack@mednet.ucla.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003071:Cognition; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D011593:Psychology, Social; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012917:Social Adjustment; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*