CAN UNORTHODOX CANCER-THERAPY IMPROVE QUALITY-OF-LIFE

The introduction of a psychosocial component into quality-of-life scores in cancer patients means that any belief which increases hope of cure on benefit will improve the score, and may override adverse physical components of the measurement. Such a belief may be the denial of a bad prognosis by some patients. There can be no objection to the patient seeking the temporary reassurance which may come from unorthodox therapies, as long as they are harmless and do not interfere with orthodox therapy. They may give the patient with a bad prognosis the necessary time to develop inner strengths enabling him to come to terms with the situation.