Management of head and neck cancer influences both physical and mental wellbeing. Measuring the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is important, as various treatment modalities are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In this prospective cohort study, we tested the feasibility of the generic 15D HRQoL instrument in 214 head and neck cancer patients managed with surgery, definitive (chemo)radiotherapy, or with combined modality treatment. HRQoL was assessed at baseline and three times after treatment onset during 1 year, and compared with that of general population standardized for age and sex. At baseline, the patients' mean 15D score was significantly worse compared with general population. Overall HRQoL was at lowest at 3 months after treatment onset, it gradually improved towards 12 months but never reached baseline levels. The dimensions "vitality", "distress", "depression" and "sexual activity" showed marked deterioration at 3 months after the treatment onset, but improved gradually during 12 months. The 15D instrument seems useful for evaluation of HRQoL of head and neck cancer patients. Dimensions reflecting mental wellbeing improved gradually after 3 months, but they seldom reached baseline levels. The support for patients at the time of diagnosis, during treatment, and recovery is emphasized.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00405-015-3732-4DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

head neck
16
neck cancer
16
treatment onset
12
health-related quality
8
quality life
8
mental wellbeing
8
cancer patients
8
compared general
8
general population
8
3 months treatment
8

Similar Publications

Background: For radiotherapy of head and neck cancer (HNC) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) plays a pivotal role due to its high soft tissue contrast. Moreover, it offers the potential to acquire functional information through diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) with the potential to personalize treatment. The aim of this study was to acquire repetitive DWI during the course of online adaptive radiotherapy on an 1.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: The endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) has been involved in various musculoskeletal disorders including non-traumatic osteonecrosis of femoral head (NT-ONFH).

Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the association of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) as well as CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) expressions in serum and femoral head (FH) tissues with NT-ONFH's severity.

Methods: We enrolled NT-ONFH patients (n = 150) alongside healthy controls (HCs, n = 150).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Health disparities experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals have been partially attributed to healthcare professionals' lack of cultural competence in addressing their specific needs. This study aimed to assess the differences in competencies and preparedness among health professionals from Poland and Spain when working with LGBT patients.

Methodology: Data were collected between June and August 2024 through a cross-sectional survey involving 673 health professionals (Mage = 33.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: To analyze the effects of the positioning of a bolt in the femoral neck system (FNS) on the short-term outcomes of middle-aged and young adults with displaced femoral neck fractures (FNFs).

Methods: This was a retrospective study involving 114 middle-aged and young adults with displaced FNFs who were surgically treated with internal fixation via the FNS in the Department of Orthopedics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, from December 2019 to January 2023. The degree of deviation of the central axis of the femoral head and neck from the tip of the bolt (W), the tip‒apex distance (TAD) and the length of femoral neck shortening (LFNS) were measured on postoperative X-ray and computed tomography (CT) scan images.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Silent witnesses: unveiling the epidemic of femicides in North-west Tshwane, South Africa - a decade of analysis.

BMC Public Health

January 2025

Sefako Makgatho University, Ground Floor, Clin Path Building, Room No. 37. Garankuwa, Pretoria, South Africa.

Background: Femicides, defined as the gender-based killing of women, are a pressing public health issue worldwide, with South Africa experiencing some of the highest rates globally. This study focuses on the North-west region of Tshwane, particularly the Garankuwa area, aiming to address gaps in understanding the epidemiology, demographics, circumstances, and pathology associated with femicides. The Garankuwa mortuary serves as the primary site for this investigation, providing a detailed analysis over a ten-year period, shedding light on contributing risk factors in the context of systemic gender inequality.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!