Head and Neck Cancer Quality of Life Study

Abstract

Objectives:

(1) Evaluate quality of life (QOL) outcomes in head and neck cancer survivors at our institution. (2) Recognize areas of improvement in our head and neck cancer survivors in order to decrease morbidity and mortality.

Methods:

A total of 53 patients completed a 24-question QOL survey, previously validated by Terrell et al. The study was conducted between 2013 and the present day.

Results:

Sixty-two percent were male, and the average age was 64. Patients were on average 1.8 years past their definitive surgery. Thirty-eight percent were current tobacco users and 30% were former tobacco users. Most cases were squamous cell carcinoma (92%) of the oral cavity/oropharynx and hypopharynx/larynx (57% and 30%, respectively). All stages were represented (I: 19%, II: 28%, III: 13%, IV: 34%). Fifty-four percent underwent radiation therapy, and 26% underwent chemotherapy. Overall, patients were satisfied with speech, eating, pain, emotional toll, and overall disturbance (71% ± 27 [SD], 76% ± 19, 80% ± 23, 76% ± 22, and 70% ± 23 respectively). Overall, patients were very satisfied with their head and neck care at our institution (93% ± 12%). Most patients quit using tobacco products after their cancer treatments/diagnosis.

Conclusions:

Overall, most patients were satisfied with pain, speech, eating, emotional impact, and overall disturbance. However, the standard deviation was large. This finding could be related to pooling of all the results. Future studies are planned to evaluate quality of life outcomes based on stage, location, and/or time since surgery.