[Cognitive investigation on the quality of life of patients with oro-facial neoplasms in advanced stage]. / Indagine conoscitiva sulla qualità di vita dei pazienti con neoplasie oro-facciali in stadio avanzato.

ABSTRACT

As part of a Ministry of health founded research project into the quality of life among advanced cancer patients and in collaboration with the National Tumour Institutes of Milan, Naples and Genoa, an investigation was conducted on a national and international scale into the quality of the assistance given to cancer patients. Specific subjects of investigation included the existence of pain treatment centres, home help and the type of psychological support offered such patients. In addition a questionnaire was presented to Italian oncologists, hospital staff and general practitioners covering areas like deontological problems of information, emotional, responses and quality of treatment. The answers revealed differences in the profiles of these three categories that make a significant contribution to the current discussion of the problem of the quality experienced by advanced cancer patients.