scholarly journals Correlation between Symptom Burden and Perceived Distress in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer: A Prospective Observational Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
pp. 419-425
Author(s):  
Shrenik P. Ostwal ◽  
Richa Singh ◽  
Priti Rashmin Sanghavi ◽  
Himanshu Patel ◽  
Queenjal Anandi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Prospective Observational Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Eligibility Criteria

Objectives: Head and neck cancer (HNC) account for major cancer burden in the Indian population. Patients often present with a diversity of distressing physical and psychological symptoms, significantly affecting their quality of life. This study aims to determine the correlation between symptom cluster and perceived distress in such patients. Materials and Methods: This single center prospective observational study was done on 175 adults advanced HNC patients referred to palliative medicine outpatient clinic. Patients fulfilling eligibility criteria were regularly assessed for their symptoms and distress at baseline and followed up at days 7, 14, and 28. Results: Most patients belong to the age group of 40–50 years and having a diagnosis carcinoma of the tongue. The most common symptoms presented were pain, tiredness, loss of appetite, and feeling of well-being. We observed statistically significant correlation between total ESAS score and distress levels in patients at days 0, 7, and 14, respectively, (P = 0.003 vs. 0.0004 vs. 0.002). However, at day 28, no such statistically significant correlation was found (P = 0.085) suggesting attention to other factors during assessment. Conclusion: Outpatient palliative care consultations have shown significant improvement in symptom and distress score. Perceived distress in a person can not only be related to physical symptoms. Acute control of symptom may uncover underlying psychosocial and spiritual issues which need to be addressed promptly for better quality of life.

scholarly journals Health-related quality of life became worse in short-term during treatment in head and neck cancer patients: a prospective study

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Emanuelle do Nascimento Santos Lima ◽  
Isabela Borges Ferreira ◽  
Paula Philbert Lajolo ◽  
Carlos Eduardo Paiva ◽  
Yara Cristina de Paiva Maia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Functional Score ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Related Quality ◽  
A Prospective Study

Abstract Background Quality of life (QoL) is influenced in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients by a set of factors related to diagnosis, treatment and tumor impacts. The aim of this study was to evaluate the Quality of Life (QoL) changes in Head and Neck cancer (HNC) patients during treatment (radiotherapy and/or chemoradiotherapy). Methods QoL was evaluated prospectively in 63 HNC patients during radiotherapy and/or chemoradiotherapy at three moments: before or at beginning (T0), in the middle (T1 ~ four weeks) and immediately at the end (T2 ~ eight weeks) of treatment. The differences between the scores at different time points was verified using Friedman’s non-parametric test. Negative changes between time points were evaluated, with differences (delta) of ±10 points being considered to be clinically significant. Results The total mean age was 59.1 ± 9.5y, and 82.5% were male. The oral cavity and larynx were more frequent tumors. The functional score for ‘role’ was decreased at time points T1 and T2 as compared to T0, while an improvement in scores was observed for cognitive function. Several physical symptoms also worsened over time, such as: fatigue, nausea and vomiting, dry mouth and sticky saliva, swallowing and skin symptoms, senses and teeth problems. A high frequency of altered and clinically meaningful values were observed for most of domains, ranging from 6 to 74%. Conclusions The QoL became worse at approximately one month after treatment beginning in HNC patients, and this remained until the end of therapy. Protocols directing to early nutritional counseling and management of symptoms of nutritional impact are important to improve clinical outcomes. This is part of preventive actions aiming to make the exhausting treatment process less traumatic and easier to complete.

scholarly journals The Psychosocial Role of Body Image in the Quality of Life of Head and Neck Cancer Patients. What Does the Future Hold?—A Review of the Literature

Medicina ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 (10) ◽  
pp. 1078
Author(s):  
Vlad Ioan Covrig ◽  
Diana Elena Lazăr ◽  
Victor Vlad Costan ◽  
Roxana Postolică ◽  
Beatrice Gabriela Ioan
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Body Image ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Image Perception ◽  
Eligibility Criteria

Background and Objectives: It is well known that among all cancers, cancers of the head and neck (HNC) have a major impact on patients’ quality of life. Disfigurement, anxiety and disabling physical and psychological symptoms affect people with HNC to such an extent that the suicide rate in this category of patients is exceeded only by that of patients with pancreatic cancer. The aim of this review was to summarize the published literature describing the severity of body image and quality of life impairment in patients with HNC over time, and to examine the psychosocial and functional associations and interventions implemented to improve body image and quality of life. Materials and Methods: We conducted a literature search from 1 January 2018 to June 2021 that included electronic searches of six major databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, PsycINFO, PsychArticles and Scopus) and review of references of articles screened. Of 620 records, only 9 articles met the eligibility criteria. Results: Numerous studies have been conducted to analyze various psychological variables, but there is still a lack of standardization in the assessment of body image perception (BI) and quality of life, resulting in small-scale testing of interventions with poor results. Conclusions: Expected longitudinal studies describing the flow of body image problems and the mediation and balance factors associated with body image will allow researchers to design methods aimed at limiting body image disorders and thus improving quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer.

scholarly journals QUALIDADE DE VIDA EM DEGLUTIÇÃO E CÂNCER DE CABEÇA E PESCOÇO: REVISÃO DE LITERATURA

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Manoela Carrera ◽  
Alena Ribeiro Alves Peixoto Medrado ◽  
Gabriela Botelho Martins ◽  
Hayana Ramos Lima ◽  
Raquel De Santana Oliveira Marques ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Deglutition Disorders ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Treatment Modality ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Swallowing Function ◽  
Advanced Stages

Objective: This study aimed to review the literature on the quality of life related to swallowing of patients with head and neck cancer. Methods: We searched for studies describing the physiology of swallowing and aspects involved in dysphagia, such as definition, causes and their impact on quality of life. We used the electronic databases Pubmed, Medline, Scielo, books, as well as articles identified in the references. Results: Deglutition disorders may occur due to disease and / or treatment modality, persisting during or after termination of treatment. The frequency and severity of dysphagia will depend on the modality of treatment used, location and stage of the tumor, when involved in structures that participate in swallowing. Patients with tumors in more advanced stages and located in the pharynx try to present worsening of swallowing function. Such factors may directly affect swallowing and quality of life of the patient, especially in family, social and lifestyle relationships. Conclusion: Although it does not replace clinical and instrumental evaluations, investigating the quality of life in swallowing may contribute to assess specific aspects of patient well-being that are not contemplated.

scholarly journals QUALITY OF LIFE IN OLDER ADULTS RECEIVING IMMUNE CHECKPOINT INHIBITOR THERAPY

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S313-S313
Author(s):  
Aasha I Hoogland ◽  
Sarah L Eisel ◽  
Nathaly E Irizarry-Arroyo ◽  
Brian James ◽  
Jori Mansfield ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Lung Cancer ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have generated significant excitement for their ability to extend survival in patients with lung, head and neck, and other cancers. In older adults with cancer, emerging research suggests that ICIs improve overall and progression-free survival, but few studies have reported on quality of life (QOL). The goal of this study was to examine changes in QOL over time in older (65+ years) vs. younger (<65 years) lung and head and neck cancer patients. Eligible participants scheduled to begin ICI for lung or head and neck cancer completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy General (FACT-G) every 2-4 weeks until disease progression. Controlling for cancer site, age group differences in QOL over time were evaluated using linear mixed models. A total of 80 lung cancer (mean age=66.5, 55% female, 55% aged 65+) and 55 head and neck cancer patients (mean age=61.5, 15% female, 45% aged 65+) provided consent. At baseline, patients with head and neck cancer reported significantly lower overall QOL, physical well-being, and emotional well-being compared to patients with lung cancer (ps<.0001). Older patients had marginally higher baseline emotional well-being than younger patients (p=.07). Across groups, there were increases in social well-being (p=.04) and a trend toward decreasing physical well-being (p=.10) over time. Patients with head and neck cancer reported lower emotional well-being over time than patients with lung cancer (p<.01). There were no age differences in QOL over time. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to better understand QOL in older patients receiving ICIs.

scholarly journals Disparity of Perception of Quality of Life Between Head and Neck Cancer Patients and Caregivers

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zachary Kassir ◽  
Jinhong Li ◽  
Christine Harrison ◽  
Jonas T. Johnson ◽  
Marci L. Nilsen
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Head And Neck Cancer ◽  
Head And Neck ◽  
Neck Cancer ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Psychosocial Distress ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Perception Of Quality ◽  
The University

Abstract Background Caregivers are invaluable sources of support for individuals recovering from head and neck cancer (HNC). Accordingly, minimizing caregiver distress is essential to promote the well-being of both caregivers and their patients. This study assessed if psychosocial distress (i.e., anxiety and depression) among head and neck cancer caregivers is associated with a difference in how caregivers and their patients perceive patients’ quality of life (QOL) after treatment completion. Methods Caregivers completed the University of Washington QOL Questionnaire (UWQOL) for their patients while patients completed the survey as part of clinic intake. Linear regression was used to analyze the association between differences in caregivers’ and patients’ QOL scores and caregiver anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Questionaire-7) and depression (Patient Health Questionaire-8). Results Of 47 caregivers recruited, 42.6% (n = 20) viewed patient QOL more negatively than patients themselves. These caregivers scored significantly higher on the PHQ-8 than caregivers who agreed with patients (p ≤ .01). Conclusion Caregivers commonly view patients’ QOL more negatively than patients themselves. These caregivers tend to have greater psychosocial distress than caregivers who agree with their patients. Interventions designed to aid at-risk caregivers are critically needed.

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