Perception of head and neck cancer quality of life within the medical world: a multicultural study.
BACKGROUND
Physician's perception of quality of life of patients with cancer is unclear. No reports have evaluated its influence on patient management.


METHODS
Five hundred otolaryngologists completed a questionnaire regarding the quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer.


RESULTS
Seventy-eight percent of responders thought that quality of life must be considered when choosing treatment, even if this meant decreased survival. Seventy-five percent thought it justified to withhold curative treatment if this would lead to impaired quality of life. Pain and breathing were the most important symptoms to consider. The perception was worse for physicians practicing in Latin culture, working in private practice, or with no personal acquaintance with a head and neck cancer victim and was better after radiotherapy than after surgery and chemotherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Quality of life is important for physicians and is considered as essential as survival by many physicians. The perception of patient's quality of life influences the treatment choice.
Demez
Pierre H
PH
Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department, C.H.U. Liege, Domaine Universitaire du Sart Tilman, Bâtiment B 35, B-4000 Liège 1, Belgium. pierre.demez@skynet.be
Moreau
Pierre R
PR