Cancer‐Related Activity Limitations Among Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Objectives/Hypothesis To characterize self‐reported cancer‐related activity limitations among a broad population of head and neck (HNC) survivors and identify sociodemographic factors associated with these limitations. Study Design Cross‐sectional analysis of data from the National Health Interview Survey. Methods The study population included individuals who completed the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) from 1997 to 2018 and self‐reported a cancer diagnosis. Data regarding activity limitations, cancer history, mental health, and demographics were extracted from the NHIS. Poisson regression was used to evaluate associations between demographics and cancer‐related limitations, and a descriptive analysis was performed to identify the most common types of cancer‐related limitations experienced by HNC survivors. Results Individuals with HNC were more than twice as likely to report having a disability caused by cancer when compared to individuals with other cancers (24% vs. 11%, P < .001). Cancer‐related disability was highest among HNC survivors who were Black (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.13–2.18), were aged 50 to 64 (aPR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.1–2.74), had high school or lower education (aPR = 2.40, 95% CI = 1.07–5.37), and had Medicaid insurance (aPR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.62–4.10). Among HNC patients who reported a cancer‐related limitation, the most common limitations included difficulty working (78%), going out (51%), and socializing (42%). Conclusions Cancer‐related activity limitations are more common among HNC survivors compared to survivors of other cancers, and disproportionately affect socioeconomically disadvantaged HNC survivors. Clinicians should be aware of the limitations experienced by HNC survivors to provide counseling and resources to help patients cope with these limitations. Level of Evidence 3 Laryngoscope, 132:593–599, 2022

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Quality of life in sinonasal tumors: an up-to-date review

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Oncology Providers' and Professionals' Experiences With Suicide Risk Screening Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Qualitative Study

“…Participants in our study mentioned financial toxicity, swallowing difficulty, and taste changes as key symptoms to consider for patients with HNC. Prior studies demonstrate that patients with HNC are at increased risk for financial toxicity 66,67 and employment loss after treatment because of long-term side effects, such as persistent speaking impairment. [67][68][69] Research shows that financial hardship and employment loss are associated with suicide risk among US adults 70,71 ; therefore, it may be valuable to assess for financial toxicity as part of a suicide risk screening program for patients with HNC.…”

“…Prior studies demonstrate that patients with HNC are at increased risk for financial toxicity 66,67 and employment loss after treatment because of long-term side effects, such as persistent speaking impairment. [67][68][69] Research shows that financial hardship and employment loss are associated with suicide risk among US adults 70,71 ; therefore, it may be valuable to assess for financial toxicity as part of a suicide risk screening program for patients with HNC. Our participants also suggested inclusion of symptoms that capture the physiologic impairment caused by HNC treatment, such as swallowing difficulty and taste changes, which contribute to poor quality of life and distress, and should be considered in future suicide risk screening among patients with HNC.…”