When translated this romanic statement means "What matters is not just to live but to make life valuable"

Quality of life is a new concept in cancer medicine. The quality of life may be elusive but attempts to measure it is certainly taking shape. In managing cancer patients, the quality of life before, during and after treatment is now recognized as an important factor in the cost and benefit equation.

For decades the main concern of oncologists has been to provide their patients with the cure of cancer that signified quantity of life. Hence we very often heard about the magic five year survival rate. Today, the quality of life in addition to quantity or in certain circumstances even modifying quantity of life is a valid option and matter of deep consideration.

Many other changes have occurred in the last decade such as individualization of treatment, greater attention to the doctor-patient relationship, and patient participation in the choice of her treatment through informed consent.

The evaluation of cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness has achieved a transcendental priority. The acceptability and popularity of informed consent means the end of the authoritarian and traditional attitude of doctors. The practice of informed consent requires the acquisition of new talents to face this difficult time consuming, but at the same time crucial dialogue.