Abstract

The present study was carried out to determine the quality of life in regional cancer patients of Hyderabad city with an objective to create awareness about the various health related issues and financial problems underlying the disease. So that possible measures can be taken by the society and the government in advance to improve the quality of life in cancer patients. The complete data for the present study has been collected for a period of 2 months from Mehdi Nawaz Jung Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre, Red Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana, India from 192 Females and 32 Males in the age group between 18-70 years. The quality of life of the cancer subjects was assessed using EORTC QLQ- C-30 questionnaire. The observations have shown that the cancer patients inspite of having better functioning and minimum symptoms, their perception was that they had poor quality of life. Therefore, it is suggested that paid leaves be provided for cancer patients along with medical allowances and extra care be taken by the physicians to minimize the adverse effects due to chemotherapy. We also suggest that cancer sub-centers be started at all districts level in order to reduce traveling time and costs for patients convenience.

Key words: Cancer; Quality of life; Hyderabad city; EORTC QLQ- C-30 questionnaire; chemotherapy.