Improved Quality of Life through supportive care and rehabilitation

Quality of life, when referring to health, means the extent to which a person’s usual or expected physical, emotional and social wellbeing is affected by a medical condition or its treatment. Evidence shows that when people experiencing cancer receive good social and psychological support, their quality of life improves. In order to achieve the best possible outcome for those with cancer, every aspect of their treatment and care must recognise their total needs. Their physical, social, psychological, nutritional, information and spiritual needs are all equally important.

In some cases, their quality of life is affected by physical impairments due to cancer; in such cases, assistance may be needed to enable them to perform everyday activities and live as independently as possible. The extent to which physical, psychological and social rehabilitation is required depends on the type and severity of the impairment and the type and magnitude of the treatment provided.

Palliative care is an important component of supportive care for cancer. See the section on the Palliative Care Council for more information.