Cancer survivors and quality of life: a critical review of the literature.

PURPOSE/
OBJECTIVE: To review and analyze the nature of quality of life (QOL) as a critical construct in psychosocial oncology research and to offer direction for future research in studies of cancer survivors. DATA SOURCES: Select and representative empirical studies of cancer survivors and QOL outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS AND
CONCLUSIONS: A consensus exists that the concept of QOL is multidimensional and subjective in nature and thereby requires a methodologic approach that examines the cognitive processes by which individuals achieve QOL. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Healthcare providers best ensure adequate clinical care for cancer survivors when both the biomedical and psychosocial effects of disease on health, well-being, and function are known as well as the varied ways in which these individuals adapt and live the remainder of their lives.