General Issues
Examines instruments and measures used to assess QOL in cancer patients. Information from such studies may also be more effective in helping healthcare staff identify relevant issues when planning cancer care services at individual, local and national level.
CINAHL
AN: 2009760347 NLM Unique Identifier: 18181892.
McCabe C. Begley C. Collier S. McCann S.
Methodological issues related to assessing and measuring quality of life in patients with cancer: implications for patient care.
European Journal of Cancer Care. 2008 Jan; 17(1): 56-64.
Examination of QOL among men with prostate cancer during and after treatment.
CINAHL
AN: 2009799756 NLM Unique Identifier: 18258577.
Albaugh J. Hacker ED.
Measurement of quality of life in men with prostate cancer.
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. 2008 Feb; 12(1): 81-6.
The importance of quality of life assessment, symptom management, and intervention to improve the quality of life of Chinese cancer patients. The study also raises questions about measures of quality of life that are culturally relevant.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2004206455.
Yan H. Sellick K.
Symptoms, psychological distress, social support, and quality of life of Chinese patients newly diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 27(5):389-9, 2004 Sep-Oct.
Full text via Ovid
Women with breast cancer perceive the cancer differently in different psychosocial life stages. Care must be tailored to address the differences demonstrated by age and psychosocial life stage, and to enhance quality of life outcomes.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2001094425
Sammarco A.
Psychosocial stages and quality of life of women with breast cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 24(4):272-7, 2001 Aug.
Full text via Ovid
In this rural sample QOL scores were higher than those reported for urban dwellers.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2001034518
Schultz AA. Winstead-Fry P.
Predictors of quality of life in rural patients with cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 24(1):12-9, 2001 Feb.
Full text via Ovid
Physical Aspects of QOL
In this rural sample QOL scores were higher than those reported for urban dwellers.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2001034518
Schultz AA. Winstead-Fry P.
Predictors of quality of life in rural patients with cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 24(1):12-9, 2001 Feb.
Full text via Ovid
Neutropenia occurs in tandem with other side effects to chemotherapy and impacts QOL.
Ovid MEDLINE MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 15915058
Padilla G. Ropka ME.
Quality of life and chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.
Cancer Nursing. 28(3):167-71, 2005 May-Jun.
Full text via Ovid
Cancer-related anemia may give rise to cognitive dysfunction (decreased mental alertness, poor concentration, and memory problems). Erythropoiesis-stimulating therapies are a consideration to improve cognitive function and quality of life for patients with cancer.
Ovid MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 15025412
Cunningham RS.
Anemia in the oncology patient: cognitive function and cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 26(6 Suppl):38S-42S, 2003 Dec.
Full text via Ovid
Anemia during treatment can have a profound effect on quality of life.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2003086508
Gillespie TW.
Anemia in cancer: therapeutic implications and interventions.
Cancer Nursing. 26(2):119-30, 2003 Apr.
Full text via Ovid
Alopecia as a side effect is related to low self-esteem, poor body image, and low quality of life.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2002115301
McGarvey EL. Baum LD. Pinkerton RC. Rogers LM.
Psychological sequelae and alopecia among women with cancer.
Cancer Practice: A Multidisciplinary Journal of Cancer Care. 9(6):283-9, 2001 Nov-Dec.
Social & Emotional Aspects of QOL
In this study, emotional support is seen as more important than informational support in the patient satisfaction and QOL of Chinese cancer patients. Since expectations of clinical care likely vary by culture, and nature and stage of disease, measures of patient satisfaction that address both informational and care expectations are important.
CINAHL
Wong WS. Fielding R.
The association between patient satisfaction and quality of life in Chinese lung and liver cancer patients.
Medical Care. 2008 Mar; 46(3): 293-302. (53 ref)
Study supports association between symptoms, spirituality and QOL. Importance of culturally appropriate care to reduce health disparities is discussed.
CINAHL
AN: 2009760097 NLM Unique Identifier: 18176122.
Leak A. Hu J. King CR. Symptom distress, spirituality, and quality of life in African American breast cancer survivors.
Cancer Nursing. 2008 Jan-Feb; 31(1): E15-21. (45 ref)
This study with 103 breast cancer survivors over that age of 50 underscored the importance of social support in reducing illness uncertainty and improving quality of life for older survivors of breast cancer.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2004019421
Sammarco A.
Quality of life among older survivors of breast cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 26(6):431-8, 2003 Dec.
Full text via Ovid
351 participants completed measures of social support, depression, anxiety, and QOL at their follow-up medical visits. Patients with more support reported less anxiety and depression and better QOL in some domains.
Ovid MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 12619150
Parker PA. Baile WF. de Moor C. Cohen L.
Psychosocial and demographic predictors of quality of life in a large sample of cancer patients.
Psycho-Oncology. 12(2):183-93, 2003 Mar.
This article discusses the gap between interest in QOL research in patients with breast cancer and the lack of impact this research has had in the actual care. Adequate information and social and emotional support are needed in all stages of the breast cancer trajectory.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2001013810
Rustoen T. Begnum S.
Quality of life in women with breast cancer: a review of the literature and implications for nursing practice.
Cancer Nursing. 23(6):416-21, 2000 Dec.
Full text via Ovid
Depressive disorders are common among 20-25% of people with cancer and are frequently unrecognized. It is asserted that failure to diagnose or reluctance to treat depression among patients with cancer is a common error and can increase morbidity and mortality.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 1997030703
Valente SM. Saunders JM.
Diagnosis and treatment of major depression among people with cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 20(3):168-77, 1997 Jun.
Full text via Ovid
Family and QOL
Disruptions in QOL of caregivers of patients undergoing palliative surgery. Resources and interventions are needed to support family caregivers and improve QOL.
CINAHL
AN: 2009760100 NLM Unique Identifier: 18176125.
Juarez G. Ferrell B. Uman G. Podnos Y. Wagman LD. Distress and quality of life concerns of family caregivers of patients undergoing palliative surgery.
Cancer Nursing. 2008 Jan-Feb; 31(1): 2-10. (34 ref)
This study suggests that spouses are vulnerable to despair and are preoccupied with practical matters when the partner has cancer. Healthcare staff should be just as aware of their situation as that of the patients.
Ovid MEDLINE MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 15525866
Winterling J. Wasteson E. Glimelius B. Sjoden PO. Nordin K.
Substantial changes in life: perceptions in patients with newly diagnosed advanced cancer and their spouses.
Cancer Nursing. 27(5):381-8, 2004 Sep-Oct.
Full text via Ovid
The well-being of children is vulnerable at the time of a parent’s diagnosis and when the illness situation changes. This article discusses how children's reactions and their management of this a difficult life event can affect their quality of life.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2004011580
Helseth S. Ulfsaet N.
Having a parent with cancer: coping and quality of life of children during serious illness in the family.
Cancer Nursing. 26(5):355-62, 2003 Oct.
Full text via Ovid
Ovarian Cancer and QOL
An examination of symptom clusters and QOL among ovarian cancer survivors reveals that fatigue and depression are significant problems that need to be addressed.
CINAHL
AN: 2009683525 NLM Unique Identifier: 17876181.
Fox SW. Lyon D.
Symptom clusters and quality of life in survivors of ovarian cancer. Cancer Nursing. 2007 Sep-Oct; 30(5): 354-61. (42 ref)
This literature review discusses side effects of chemotherapy with respect to a number of health-related measures and quality of life.
CINAHL
AN: 2009211308 NLM Unique Identifier: 16493256.
Kayl AE. Meyers CA. Side-effects of chemotherapy and quality of life in ovarian and breast cancer patients.
Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2006 Feb; 18(1): 24-8. (55 ref)
This article discusses the evolution of treatment paradigms in ovarian cancer, and how it relates to survival and QOL.
CINAHL
Markman M.
Management of ovarian cancer. An impressive history of improvement in survival and quality of life. [Journal Article] Oncology. 2006 Apr; 20(4): 347-58, 364. (49 ref)
Currently held at SB Library
AN: 2009727430 NLM Unique Identifier: 16683414.
Ovarian cancer can be regarded as a chronic disease since, with a high rate of recurrence treatment is aimed at control of disease, palliation of symptoms, and quality-of-life maintenance.
Ovid MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 15025408
Almadrones LA.
Treatment advances in ovarian cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 26(6 Suppl):16S-20S, 2003 Dec.
Full text via Ovid
Women with ovarian cancer report on daily changes and major challenges that they face (including the real possibility of death) and their sources of support
Ovid MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 12556707
Howell D. Fitch MI. Deane KA.
Impact of ovarian cancer perceived by women
Cancer Nursing. 26(1):1-9, 2003 Feb.
Full text via Ovid
High QOL (mental health, general health, vitality, and illness management areas) for early stage ovarian cancer survivors. Sexual difficulties due to treatment are reported.
PsycINFO Database
Accession Number: 2002-02593-006.
Wenzel LB. Donnelly JP. Fowler JM. Habbal R. Taylor TH. Aziz N. Cella D.
Resilience, reflection, and residual stress in ovarian cancer survivorship: A gynecologic oncology group study.
Psycho-Oncology. 11(2): 142-153, 2002 Mar-Apr.
National study of Canadian women living with ovarian cancer describes impact of the disease and its treatment.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2000075001
Fitch MI. Gray RE. Franssen E.
Women's perspectives regarding the impact of ovarian cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 23(5):359-66, 2000 Oct.
Full text via Ovid
Programs Re: QOL
Treatment program for prostate cancer associated with health-related QOL.
CINAHL
Zavala MW. Maliski SL. Kwan L. Miller DC. Fink A. Litwin MS. Longitudinal quality of life in low-income men in a state-funded prostate cancer treatment program.
Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved. 2008 Feb; 19(1): 200-15.
AN: 2009812390 NLM Unique Identifier: 18263996.
Impact of participating in multidisciplinary intervention on improving QOL with the help of medical social worker. This paper outlines the role of the medical social worker in a clinical trial, how education was provided and it outlines strategies for future interventions.
CINHAL
Miller JJ. Frost MH. Rummans TA. Huschka M. Atherton P. Brown P. Gamble G. Richardson J. Hanson J. Sloan JA. Clark MM.
Role of a medical social worker in improving quality of life for patients with advanced cancer with a structured multidisciplinary intervention.
Journal of Psychosocial Oncology. 2007; 25(4): 105-19. (36 ref)
This study aimed to test a community-based education program to address the prevention and management of the major side effects of cancer and its treatment. The program implemented through a patient education conference demonstrated a positive effect on QOL.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2003067318
Golant M. Altman T. Martin C.
Managing cancer side effects to improve quality of life: a cancer psychoeducation program.
Cancer Nursing. 26(1):37-46, 2003 Feb.
Full text via Ovid
A program of progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery demonstrated positive changes in depression and quality of life
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2003053085
Sloman R.
Relaxation and imagery for anxiety and depression control in community patients with advanced cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 25(6):432-5, 2002 Dec.
Full text via Ovid
Sexual changes can occur as a result of cancer, its treatment, or both. It is important to recognize the importance of sexuality to patients.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2001013831
Hughes MK.
Sexuality and the cancer survivor: a silent coexistence.
Cancer Nursing. 23(6):477-82, 2000 Dec.
Full text via Ovid
Examines instruments and measures used to assess QOL in cancer patients. Information from such studies may also be more effective in helping healthcare staff identify relevant issues when planning cancer care services at individual, local and national level.
CINAHL
AN: 2009760347 NLM Unique Identifier: 18181892.
McCabe C. Begley C. Collier S. McCann S.
Methodological issues related to assessing and measuring quality of life in patients with cancer: implications for patient care.
European Journal of Cancer Care. 2008 Jan; 17(1): 56-64.
In this rural sample QOL scores were higher than those reported for urban dwellers.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2001034518
Schultz AA. Winstead-Fry P.
Predictors of quality of life in rural patients with cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 24(1):12-9, 2001 Feb.
Full text via Ovid
In this study, emotional support is seen as more important than informational support in the patient satisfaction and QOL of Chinese cancer patients. Since expectations of clinical care likely vary by culture, and nature and stage of disease, measures of patient satisfaction that address both informational and care expectations are important.
CINAHL
Wong WS. Fielding R.
The association between patient satisfaction and quality of life in Chinese lung and liver cancer patients.
Medical Care. 2008 Mar; 46(3): 293-302. (53 ref)
An examination of symptom clusters and QOL among ovarian cancer survivors reveals that fatigue and depression are significant problems that need to be addressed.
CINAHL
AN: 2009683525 NLM Unique Identifier: 17876181.
Fox SW. Lyon D.
Symptom clusters and quality of life in survivors of ovarian cancer. Cancer Nursing. 2007 Sep-Oct; 30(5): 354-61. (42 ref)
Treatment program for prostate cancer associated with health-related QOL.
CINAHL
Zavala MW. Maliski SL. Kwan L. Miller DC. Fink A. Litwin MS. Longitudinal quality of life in low-income men in a state-funded prostate cancer treatment program.
Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved. 2008 Feb; 19(1): 200-15.
AN: 2009812390 NLM Unique Identifier: 18263996.
Disruptions in QOL of caregivers of patients undergoing palliative surgery. Resources and interventions are needed to support family caregivers and improve QOL.
CINAHL
AN: 2009760100 NLM Unique Identifier: 18176125.
Juarez G. Ferrell B. Uman G. Podnos Y. Wagman LD. Distress and quality of life concerns of family caregivers of patients undergoing palliative surgery.
Cancer Nursing. 2008 Jan-Feb; 31(1): 2-10. (34 ref)
This study suggests that spouses are vulnerable to despair and are preoccupied with practical matters when the partner has cancer. Healthcare staff should be just as aware of their situation as that of the patients.
Ovid MEDLINE MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 15525866
Winterling J. Wasteson E. Glimelius B. Sjoden PO. Nordin K.
Substantial changes in life: perceptions in patients with newly diagnosed advanced cancer and their spouses.
Cancer Nursing. 27(5):381-8, 2004 Sep-Oct.
Full text via Ovid
Impact of participating in multidisciplinary intervention on improving QOL with the help of medical social worker. This paper outlines the role of the medical social worker in a clinical trial, how education was provided and it outlines strategies for future interventions.
CINHAL
Miller JJ. Frost MH. Rummans TA. Huschka M. Atherton P. Brown P. Gamble G. Richardson J. Hanson J. Sloan JA. Clark MM.
Role of a medical social worker in improving quality of life for patients with advanced cancer with a structured multidisciplinary intervention.
Journal of Psychosocial Oncology. 2007; 25(4): 105-19. (36 ref)
This literature review discusses side effects of chemotherapy with respect to a number of health-related measures and quality of life.
CINAHL
AN: 2009211308 NLM Unique Identifier: 16493256.
Kayl AE. Meyers CA. Side-effects of chemotherapy and quality of life in ovarian and breast cancer patients.
Current Opinion in Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2006 Feb; 18(1): 24-8. (55 ref)
Study supports association between symptoms, spirituality and QOL. Importance of culturally appropriate care to reduce health disparities is discussed.
CINAHL
AN: 2009760097 NLM Unique Identifier: 18176122.
Leak A. Hu J. King CR. Symptom distress, spirituality, and quality of life in African American breast cancer survivors.
Cancer Nursing. 2008 Jan-Feb; 31(1): E15-21. (45 ref)
Neutropenia occurs in tandem with other side effects to chemotherapy and impacts QOL.
Ovid MEDLINE MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 15915058
Padilla G. Ropka ME.
Quality of life and chemotherapy-induced neutropenia.
Cancer Nursing. 28(3):167-71, 2005 May-Jun.
Full text via Ovid
Examination of QOL among men with prostate cancer during and after treatment.
CINAHL
AN: 2009799756 NLM Unique Identifier: 18258577.
Albaugh J. Hacker ED.
Measurement of quality of life in men with prostate cancer.
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. 2008 Feb; 12(1): 81-6.
The importance of quality of life assessment, symptom management, and intervention to improve the quality of life of Chinese cancer patients. The study also raises questions about measures of quality of life that are culturally relevant.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2004206455.
Yan H. Sellick K.
Symptoms, psychological distress, social support, and quality of life of Chinese patients newly diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 27(5):389-9, 2004 Sep-Oct.
Full text via Ovid
Cancer-related anemia may give rise to cognitive dysfunction (decreased mental alertness, poor concentration, and memory problems). Erythropoiesis-stimulating therapies are a consideration to improve cognitive function and quality of life for patients with cancer.
Ovid MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 15025412
Cunningham RS.
Anemia in the oncology patient: cognitive function and cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 26(6 Suppl):38S-42S, 2003 Dec.
Full text via Ovid
This study with 103 breast cancer survivors over that age of 50 underscored the importance of social support in reducing illness uncertainty and improving quality of life for older survivors of breast cancer.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2004019421
Sammarco A.
Quality of life among older survivors of breast cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 26(6):431-8, 2003 Dec.
Full text via Ovid
This article discusses the evolution of treatment paradigms in ovarian cancer, and how it relates to survival and QOL.
CINAHL
Markman M.
Management of ovarian cancer. An impressive history of improvement in survival and quality of life. [Journal Article] Oncology. 2006 Apr; 20(4): 347-58, 364. (49 ref)
Currently held at SB Library
AN: 2009727430 NLM Unique Identifier: 16683414.
This study aimed to test a community-based education program to address the prevention and management of the major side effects of cancer and its treatment. The program implemented through a patient education conference demonstrated a positive effect on QOL.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2003067318
Golant M. Altman T. Martin C.
Managing cancer side effects to improve quality of life: a cancer psychoeducation program.
Cancer Nursing. 26(1):37-46, 2003 Feb.
Full text via Ovid
The well-being of children is vulnerable at the time of a parent’s diagnosis and when the illness situation changes. This article discusses how children's reactions and their management of this a difficult life event can affect their quality of life.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2004011580
Helseth S. Ulfsaet N.
Having a parent with cancer: coping and quality of life of children during serious illness in the family.
Cancer Nursing. 26(5):355-62, 2003 Oct.
Full text via Ovid
A program of progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery demonstrated positive changes in depression and quality of life
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2003053085
Sloman R.
Relaxation and imagery for anxiety and depression control in community patients with advanced cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 25(6):432-5, 2002 Dec.
Full text via Ovid
Ovarian cancer can be regarded as a chronic disease since, with a high rate of recurrence treatment is aimed at control of disease, palliation of symptoms, and quality-of-life maintenance.
Ovid MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 15025408
Almadrones LA.
Treatment advances in ovarian cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 26(6 Suppl):16S-20S, 2003 Dec.
Full text via Ovid
351 participants completed measures of social support, depression, anxiety, and QOL at their follow-up medical visits. Patients with more support reported less anxiety and depression and better QOL in some domains.
Ovid MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 12619150
Parker PA. Baile WF. de Moor C. Cohen L.
Psychosocial and demographic predictors of quality of life in a large sample of cancer patients.
Psycho-Oncology. 12(2):183-93, 2003 Mar.
Anemia during treatment can have a profound effect on quality of life.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2003086508
Gillespie TW.
Anemia in cancer: therapeutic implications and interventions.
Cancer Nursing. 26(2):119-30, 2003 Apr.
Full text via Ovid
Women with breast cancer perceive the cancer differently in different psychosocial life stages. Care must be tailored to address the differences demonstrated by age and psychosocial life stage, and to enhance quality of life outcomes.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2001094425
Sammarco A.
Psychosocial stages and quality of life of women with breast cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 24(4):272-7, 2001 Aug.
Full text via Ovid
In this rural sample QOL scores were higher than those reported for urban dwellers.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2001034518
Schultz AA. Winstead-Fry P.
Predictors of quality of life in rural patients with cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 24(1):12-9, 2001 Feb.
Full text via Ovid
Alopecia as a side effect is related to low self-esteem, poor body image, and low quality of life.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2002115301
McGarvey EL. Baum LD. Pinkerton RC. Rogers LM.
Psychological sequelae and alopecia among women with cancer.
Cancer Practice: A Multidisciplinary Journal of Cancer Care. 9(6):283-9, 2001 Nov-Dec.
This article discusses the gap between interest in QOL research in patients with breast cancer and the lack of impact this research has had in the actual care. Adequate information and social and emotional support are needed in all stages of the breast cancer trajectory.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2001013810
Rustoen T. Begnum S.
Quality of life in women with breast cancer: a review of the literature and implications for nursing practice.
Cancer Nursing. 23(6):416-21, 2000 Dec.
Full text via Ovid
Women with ovarian cancer report on daily changes and major challenges that they face (including the real possibility of death) and their sources of support
Ovid MEDLINE
Unique Identifier: 12556707
Howell D. Fitch MI. Deane KA.
Impact of ovarian cancer perceived by women
Cancer Nursing. 26(1):1-9, 2003 Feb.
Full text via Ovid
Sexual changes can occur as a result of cancer, its treatment, or both. It is important to recognize the importance of sexuality to patients.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2001013831
Hughes MK.
Sexuality and the cancer survivor: a silent coexistence.
Cancer Nursing. 23(6):477-82, 2000 Dec.
Full text via Ovid
High QOL (mental health, general health, vitality, and illness management areas) for early stage ovarian cancer survivors. Sexual difficulties due to treatment are reported.
PsycINFO Database
Accession Number: 2002-02593-006.
Wenzel LB. Donnelly JP. Fowler JM. Habbal R. Taylor TH. Aziz N. Cella D.
Resilience, reflection, and residual stress in ovarian cancer survivorship: A gynecologic oncology group study.
Psycho-Oncology. 11(2): 142-153, 2002 Mar-Apr.
Depressive disorders are common among 20-25% of people with cancer and are frequently unrecognized. It is asserted that failure to diagnose or reluctance to treat depression among patients with cancer is a common error and can increase morbidity and mortality.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 1997030703
Valente SM. Saunders JM.
Diagnosis and treatment of major depression among people with cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 20(3):168-77, 1997 Jun.
Full text via Ovid
National study of Canadian women living with ovarian cancer describes impact of the disease and its treatment.
CINAHL
Accession Number: 2000075001
Fitch MI. Gray RE. Franssen E.
Women's perspectives regarding the impact of ovarian cancer.
Cancer Nursing. 23(5):359-66, 2000 Oct.
Full text via Ovid