Introduction :

Patients with lung cancer are in an ultimate interaction with the external world, and are usually supported by their families. It seems legitimate to us to see closely the impact of this disease in the patient?s immediate circle, in all its positive and negative dimensions.

Aim :

The aim of our study is to measure quality of life of caregivers

Method:

Descriptive study based on Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) which includes 8 Items. We have been focusing on two items:

D1= limitations in physical activities because of health problems

D4= General Health

Results and conclusions

 Out of a sample of 74 patients , male gender was dominant (88%) . Non small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) was diagnosed in 93% of cases. Advanced stages (IIIB , IV) were identified in 72%  . The disease had been progressing for more than 6 months in 30% .  Palliative treatment were delivered in 74% of cases. We found no correlation between cancer stage (TNM) and the quality of life of caregivers, however having a dying patient was strongly associated with the caregiver?s overall health impairment (D4) (p=0.018). The progression and/or relapse of the cancer disease was associated with the caregiver?s general health D4 (p=0.015). The palliative focus of cancer treatment was correlated with a change in the caregiver?s quality of life in its physical dimension D1 (p=0.047).