Quality of Life among Long-Term Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Thanks to advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment, there are now more than 10 million cancer survivors in the United States. Successful treatment of cancer has resulted in increased demands on survivors and has had diverse effects on the quality of life (QOL) of patients and their families. A model of QOL encompassing dimensions of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual well-being has been applied to illustrate the multidimensional needs of cancer survivors and the necessity of comprehensive care extending over the long term. Data from a recent survey of members of the National Coalition of Cancer Survivorship (NCCS) is presented, along with a summary of issues compiled by the NCCS that merit future attention.