Quality of life measurements in oncology

Quality of life (QOL) has transcended from an implicit concern to an explicit measurement in oncology. In contemporary clinical research, QOL can now often be identified and objectively measured in health as well as in illness. The major domains which comprise QOL in patients with cancer include symptoms and side effects, social function, physical function, and psychological status. One of the preferred methods for measuring QOL consists of self-administered questionnaires. A number of instruments have been developed which vary in features such as type of domains included, number of items, response options, specificity for disease type, and psychometric assessments. The role of QOL assessment is becoming increasingly important in clinical oncology.