Advanced cancer patients’ needs and preferences for quality of life outcomes

Cancer treatments have advanced tremendously, but we do not fully understand patients' priorities in receiving care. This thesis examines how advanced cancer patients in Malaysia value and rank several important outcomes in cancer care, such as quality of life outcomes, severity of pain, place of death, and survival extension. It finds that they value improved quality of life more than merely extending their survival because it is critical for them to minimise the impacts of cancer on their physical, psychological, and social well-being. After three months, patients' preferences are found to change significantly. The findings of this thesis support the need for early integration of palliative and supportive care into cancer care to enhance patients' quality of life.