Quality of life issues in lung cancer. New symptom management strategies.

Diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can significantly affect a patient's quality of life. Survival rates are dismal, but improvements have been made in dealing with common symptoms and side effects. This article reviews the nature of the problem, pertinent risk factors, and symptoms associated with nausea and vomiting, cachexia, hypercalcemia, and pain. Physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals can play a vital role in the identification and management of these complications, and thereby help to improve quality of life.