The relationship between weight loss and health-related quality of life in persons treated for head and neck cancer.

Purpose: This study explores the relationship between weight loss, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and symptom burden in patients treated for head and neck cancers.

Methods: Participants completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck (FACT-H&N) and the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS) pre-treatment, mid-treatment, and post-treatment. Weights were recorded prior to treatment and at the post-treatment follow-up visit, and percentage weight loss was tabulated.