9531 Background: After decades of efforts on reducing lung cancer incidence and mortality, we are now challenged by the lack of understanding of the health conditions and quality of life (QOL) among the survivors. Methods: We evaluated 2,005 consecutive primary lung cancer patients diagnosed 1999- 2006. Two validated patient-reported assessments, the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale and Linear Analogue Self-Assessment, were used to measure overall QOL, pain, fatigue, appetite, symptoms, physical-, emotional-, mental-, and spiritual well-being, social activity/support, and financial/legal concerns. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were performed. Assessments were translated onto a 0–100 (worst to best) scale, and a normative range was defined as 80.0±10.0 established in healthy individuals. Four QOL groups were defined: norm (70.0–90.0), above-norm (>90), below-norm (60.0–70.0), and poor (<60). Adjusted QOL was calculated by multiple regression models with variables at baseline (age, sex, ethnicity, marital status, years of education, employment status, smoking history, body weight, histology and stage, and comorbidities) and at each time a QOL questionnaire was answered (performance status, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, weight change, and current tobacco use). Results: A total of 5,289 QOL questionnaires were answered by 2,005 patients from 6-month to 7-year post diagnosis. The mean (SD) overall QOL was 73.0 (23.2), ranging 70.8–76.0 across the 7 years, with and without covariates. Frequent pain and physical well-being were consistently below norm, fatigue scored as poor for all years, and shortness of breath was below norm between 6 months and year-4 and declined to poor thereafter. Longitudinally following patients in the four groups based on their initial overall QOL score, survivors stayed in the same QOL group throughout years, except those who started in the poor group (mean score 41.2) improved gradually to a mean score of 64.7 at year-5 although still below norm. Conclusions: This study describes health-related QOL by prospectively following a large lung cancer cohort. Modifiable contributors to poor QOL need to be identified and interventions should be designed to improve patients’ QOL in conjunction with prolonged survival. Supported by NIH grants CA77118, CA80127, and CA84354. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

The death of a loved one has a profound effect on the surviving spouse or partner, family members, and friends. But the bereaved may not always get the help and support they need. This article reviews the toll that grief takes on individuals and society and highlights the importance of connecting grieving loved ones with resources that can help them. It also suggests a need for health care institutions across the state to share information about their particular resources via the Internet with health care providers and patients.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES:To describe the use of an art exhibit, created in response to breast cancer survivor stories, and additional supplementary activities to increase cancer awareness and provide support to those with cancer.DATA SOURCES:Published articles and books, personal experiences.DATA SYNTHESIS:Art has been used to educate and promote the expression of emotions. Using an art exhibit as the central feature, a planning committee composed of staff members and volunteers developed a repertoire of activities to improve cancer awareness and provide support to cancer survivors. Visitor and staff reactions to the event were profound.CONCLUSIONS:Art can capture the most intimate and personal aspects of the cancer experience. This event was a novel and effective way to increase awareness about the cancer experience. The event brought together patients, family members, friends, staff members, and the community and facilitated new partnerships to help people with cancer.IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING:Nurses are well equipped to direct the therapeutic use of art and support the potential reactions of viewers. Nurses can promote the benefit of art exhibits for cancer education, support, and awareness and use their knowledge and skills in planning and implementing supplementary activities.