Background:
As treatments continue to improve, patients are surviving head and neck cancer(HNC) for longer. Late effects of treatment often impact patients quality of life(QOL). Studies show survivorship programmes optimise health and well-being, providing support and empowering patients. This study aimed to assess the demand for survivorship within our HNC patients.
Methods:
Data collection occurred in November 2023. Patients >12 months post treatment for HNC attending advanced nurse practitioner clinic were included. Nutritional and swallowing assessments, MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory(MDADI) and Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck(FACT-HN) questionnaires were completed.
Results:
14 patients were included. 43% of patients had surgery and 78.6% received radiation treatment. Median time since treatment completion was 50.5months. Median weight loss was 8.2%, considered significant. 57% of patients reported eating concerns. Median FACT-HN score was 130.5 demonstrating good QOL. Maximal Incision Opening(MIO) for 92% of patients was >35 mm, considered within functional limits. 7% of patients displayed signs of penetration on 100ml swallow test and 7% were NPO. Median MDADI score was 84 indicating good swallow function. 50% of patients felt survivorship support would be beneficial.
Conclusion:
Late effects of treatment were evident with eating concerns raised in over half of patients, along with evidence of swallow dysfunction. This study showed that patients are interested in survivorship support. Future work would consider a survivorship pilot programme within the pathway.
Fionnuala Muldoon1, Teresa Hanevy2, Deirdre O Neill1, Helena Walsh2, Sile Murphy2
1 Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork
2 Department of Speech & Language Therapy, South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork