Breast cancer survivors` recollection of their quality of life: Identifying determinants of recall bias in a longitudinal population-based trial

Abstract

Survivors of breast cancer tend to underestimate their past QoL during the disease when asked about seven years later. Lower present QoL and higher negative affect contribute to this recall bias. This needs to be considered when interpreting retrospectively reported QoL data. Results are discussed in relation to theory of change or stability and mood congruency theory.