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Quality of life after radiation therapy: A study of 309 cancer survivors

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Abstract

(1) Comparison of patients with a national sample reveals no difference in income (adjusted for inflation), marital status and education level but patients, who are typically older, are more often retired or disabled. (2) Overall, perceived quality of life is nearly the same for patients and national sample; apparent differences can be readily explained by factors other than cancer or its treatment. (3) While some minor differences among patients were found as a function of their site of cancer, treatment modality, or health status, no evidence was found of significant detrimental effects due to radiation therapy or perceived quality of life. (4) Contrary to expectations of deteriorated quality of life, compared to the national baselines the patients are actually more satisfied with their lives as a whole.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Philadelphia Health Management Corporation, Philadelphia, USA

    Patrick H. Irwin, Allen Gottlieb, Simon Kramer & Barbara Danoff

Authors
  1. Patrick H. Irwin
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  2. Allen Gottlieb
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  3. Simon Kramer
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  4. Barbara Danoff
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Additional information

This research has been under a contract with the Radiation Therapy Department of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Our special thanks to the respondents who participated in the survey.

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Irwin, P.H., Gottlieb, A., Kramer, S. et al. Quality of life after radiation therapy: A study of 309 cancer survivors. Soc Indic Res 10, 187–210 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00302510

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00302510

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