The preferences for survival or quality of life in the treatments for breast cancer patients: a comparison between patients and healthcare-providers

ABSTRACT

<b>Objectives:</b> To clarify the preferences for survival time (ST) or quality of life (QOL) in the treatments for advanced cancer. <b>Method:</b> Patients with breast cancer, oncologists, and healthcare-providers including nurses, pharmacists and medical clerks were asked to anonymously complete a survey The survey included questions regarding 1) priority among treatment options for a fictitious cancer patient, 2) preference of treatment aggressiveness for fictitious cancer patients by age group, 3) preference of treatment among options, with different weight on ST and QOL. <b>Results:</b> 1) Cancer patients' priority regarding ST and QOL was clearer than healthcare providers. 2) Oncologists tended to prioritize ST than cancer patients and other medical staffs in elderly patients. 3) Patients and oncologists tended to prioritize ST, whereas and other medical staffs prioritized QOL. <b>Conclusion:</b> Cancer patients and healthcare providers may have different perception regarding a treatment goal, which should be recognized in the practice of oncology.