Approach to Cancer Patient

Question 1

Common symptoms of cancer

Answer 1

Lumps, bleeding, pain, change in function (change in bowel habit, cough, SOB, weight loss, fever)

Question 2

Definition of QoL

Answer 2

Subjective evaluation of life as a whole
Patient’s appraisal of and satisfaction with current level of functioning
Physical, social + mental well being

Question 3

What is measured to assess QoL?

Answer 3

Physical functioning 
Disease + treatment related symptoms 
Psychological functioning 
Social functioning 
Spiritual concerns 
Cognitive function 
Sexual function 
Body image

Question 4

Tools for assessing QoL + examples of each

Answer 4

Generic = medical outcome study (MOS) short form (SF)-36 
Cancer specific = EORTC QL Core 30 + FACT 
Cancer site specific = EORTC lung cancer module 
QoL domain specific = HAD scale, Karnofsky performance status, memorial symptom assessment scale, McGill pain questionnaire

Question 5

What is QALY + QTWIST?

Answer 5

Quality adjusted life years

Quality of time without symptoms or treatment side effects

Question 6

What is the HAD scale?

Answer 6

Hospital anxiety + depression

Question 7

What is the Rotterdam checklist?

Answer 7

Screening for depression + anxiety