Factors associated with shame and stigma among head and neck cancer patients: a cross-sectional study.

Purpose: Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients often suffer from shame and stigma due to treatment limitations or due to societal factors. The purpose of this study was to assess perceived body image, depression, physical and psychosocial function, and self-stigma, as well as to identify factors that predicted shame and stigma in patients with HNC.

Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 178 HNC patients from the outpatient radiation department of a medical center in Northern Taiwan.