Length of time terminally ill (AIDS, cancer) patients would want to live if treatment left them totally dependant on family and friends

Length of time that patients would want to live if treatment left them totally dependant on family and friends

Patients with AIDS (N=85) Patients with cancer (N=47

Number % Number %

0 days
17 20 20 42

1-30 days
32 38 10 21

31-365 days
28 33 7 15

As long as possible
8 9 10 21

[note: AIDS patients' average age was substantially younger than cancer patients'.]

Source: Schneiderman, LJ et al "Attitude of Seriously Ill Patients Toward Treatment that Involves High Costs and Burdens on Others" J Clinical Ethics 1994 5(2) p109-12.

	Patients with AIDS (N=85)		Patients with cancer (N=47
	Number	%	Number	%
0 days	17	20	20	42
1-30 days	32	38	10	21
31-365 days	28	33	7	15
As long as possible	8	9	10	21

[note: AIDS patients' average age was substantially younger than cancer patients'.]