Quality of the patient's life versus the quest for a cure

An holistic approach should be taken to cure with due consideration given to the quality of life. Little research has been undertaken into the long-term psychosocial adjustment of adults to cancer and its treatment, far less that of children. Patients may be able to overcome altered body image and maintain an improved quality of life when a cure is thought to be achievable. Others may perceive the quality of their life to be of greater importance than the quantity. Children readily recognize how to establish their best possible quality of life, whether or not they are able to recognize their diminished quantity of life and lack of curability.