Self-rated health over a two-year period after breast cancer surgery: prospective ratings and retrospective rating by means of a health-line.

Even if the retrospective ratings by the health-line were somewhat lower than the ratings at the actual time-point, the health-line captures the health trajectory. The individual graphic illustration by means of a health-line may serve as a basis for assessment and support patient health narratives. The findings indicate that life event, lower education and chemotherapy influence concurrent and retrospective self-assessment of health.