Definitions and Conceptual Models of Quality of Life in Cancer Patients

Background: Quality of life is an important aspect of the cancer patient care. Cancer is a very common disease and many new cases are appeared annually worldwide. Cancer and its treatment can create difficulties in fulfilling family roles social such as the ability to work or participating in common social activities. The purpose of this review article is to review all existing definitions about quality of life in cancer. Method and Material: The method of this study included bibliography research from both the review and the research literature, in the PubMed that referred to quality of life and cancer patients. The review covered the period 1985-2012. Results: There is no universal accepted definition of quality of life. The existing definitions range from those with emphasis on the social emotional and physical well-being to those that describe the impact of a person’s health on daily life. Another existing definition includes quality of life in cancer survivors. The most popular conceptual models that used in cancer patients are Ferrell and Colleagues City of Hope Model and Power QOL Model. Conclusions: The interest of quality of life remains a high priority subject on cancer patients. Oncology nurses have to evaluate the impact of cancer and cancer treatment on quality of life and do researches for strategies to decrease adverse physical, psychological, social, and spiritual effects on the lives of cancer patients

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