Quality of Life in Developing Countries

80% of cancers in developing countries present at an advanced stage and progress rapidly. Since ministries of health in these countries typically do not have the resources to afford aggressive responses to these conditions, the prevention and palliation of disease and related adverse circumstances are of paramount importance. To a clinical investigator, quality of life (QOL) is a measure of success in evaluating treatment outcomes; a means of assessing rehabilitation needs; and a predictor of response to treatment. It embraces broader functional domains than simply physical function and its measurement is likely to serve as a more accurate predictor of outcome than performance status alone. Under the aforementioned conditions under which cancer tends to present in developing countries, practitioners and programs should strive to attain the highest possible QOL for patients and families. Pain and distressing symptoms should be alleviated as much as possible. Socioeconomic and cultural aspects of developing countries are described followed by sections addressing QOL in terms of the impact of social influence; cultural influence on health, illness and QOL; measuring quality of life; and QOL studies in developing countries. Policy change is ultimately called for to ensure the constant availability of cheap analgesics, especially opioids, in a form easily transportable to rural areas. Essential drugs and priority on prevention and palliation are also needed; studies on QOL should help realize these goals.