Prospective, longitudinal assessment of quality of life inpatients with cancer of the head and neck and their primary carers

Abstract

Cancer of the head and neck has profound psychosocial and physical effects on patients, so quality of life (QoL) is an essential consideration—not only is it of importance to the patient but it also provides a subjective measure of the success of treatment. However, we know of little work about its influence on carers. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the diagnosis and treatment on the QoLof patients and their carers from baseline (preoperatively) to three months postoperatively. Thirty-six patients and 21 primary carers were enrolled, and patients completed one head-and-neck-specific measure, the University of Washington Head and Neck, Version Four (UW-V4),and three other questionnaires, both at the time of diagnosis and at one and three months postoperatively. The carers completed similar questionnaires except for the UW-V4. Analysis of the patients’ data showed a serious deterioration in psychosocial and physical domains atone month postoperatively. However, the analysis of carers’ data showed a highly significant deterioration in anxiety and depression domains(p < 0.01), which remained low after three months. These findings highlight the need for psychological support not only for patients but also for their primary carers during the management of carcinoma of the head and neck.