The Post-treatment Impact on Quality of Life, Body Image, and Occupational Concerns among Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Introduction: Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer across globe, more common in Asian countries. HNC patients are at a significant risk of developing body image and functionality-related concerns, which in turn impact their overall Quality of Life (QoL). This study provides...
Main Authors: | , , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2023-12-01
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Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://www.jcdr.net/articles/PDF/18868/66178_CE[Ra1]_F(SS)_QC_PAT.(SD_RN_SHU)_PF1(AG_DK)_PFA(OM)_PB(AG_OM)_PN(OM).pdf |
Summary: | Introduction: Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) is the sixth most
common cancer across globe, more common in Asian countries.
HNC patients are at a significant risk of developing body image
and functionality-related concerns, which in turn impact their
overall Quality of Life (QoL). This study provides factual insights
into the QoL of Indian male HNC patients three months after
completing their treatment.
Aim: To assess patients’ perceptions of self and overall QoL in
context of body image and occupation.
Materials and Methods: This mixed-method study included 32
male HNC patients and was conducted at a tertiary cancer centre
in Ahmedabad, India, from March 2022 to April 2022. Patients
who underwent surgery, with or without radiation therapy or
chemotherapy, were included. The Functional Assessment of
Chronic Illness Therapy-Head and Neck version (FACT-HN) and
the Body Image Scale (BIS) were used as assessment tools.
Qualitative responses were also recorded by the interviewer.
Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for
Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0, including both parametric
and non parametric tests.
Results: The mean age was 45.50 years. The overall QoL of
the HNC population was found to be positive, with a mean
score of 117.88±12.72. Higher scores indicated better QoL
(total score range: 0-148). Similar trends were observed across
all domains. Analysis of variance was conducted for three
groups: ‘3-11 months’, ‘1-3 years’, and ‘more than three years’.
A significant difference in mean HNC scores between these
groups (p-value=0.004) was observed, with ‘3-12 months’
(mean=108) and ‘more than three years’ (mean=124.6) showing
notable differences. QoL between these two groups was
compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test, revealing significant
differences in their physical, social, and HNC-specific index
(HNCS). Approximately 43% of patients reported returning to
work within 3-4 months post-treatment, while 46% experienced
reduced work hours due to concerns related to functionality
and appearance.
Conclusion: This data highlights the subjective impact of
physical, social, and head and neck-specific QoL issues on
patients, particularly in the immediate post-treatment phase,
which may persist for upto three years in some cases. Over
time, patients’ overall QoL improves post-treatment.
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ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |