Identifying unmet needs and limitations in physical health in survivors of Head and Neck Cancer

Gerben van Hinte*, Ruud A. Leijendekkers, Matthias A.W. Merkx, Robert P. Takes, Maria W.G. Nijhuis-van der Sanden, Caroline M. Speksnijder

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

Objective: To gain insight into the level of unmet needs and limitations in physical health experienced by survivors of head and neck cancer, and to evaluate whether unmet needs in physical health and limitations in physical performance are associated. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, unmet needs were measured with Supportive Care Needs Surveys (SCNS-SF34, SCNS-HNC). Limitations in physical health were measured for maximal mouth opening, neck and shoulder function, hand grip strength and lower body strength, level of mobility and walking ability. Results: The SCNSs showed that 48% had a cancer generic unmet need and 46% had at least one HNC-specific unmet need. In total, 76% of sHNC had a cancer generic limitation in physical health and that 58% had an HNC-specific limitation in the mobility of neck and shoulders or maximum mouth opening. The domain of physical and daily living needs showed a weak association with lateral flexion of the neck to the left (R = −0.319; p = 0.024). Conclusion: Survivors of HNC might benefit from the use of both SCNSs and physical performance measurements during usual care follow-up for early and optimal identification of unmet needs and limitations in physical health.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere13434
Pages (from-to)1-12
JournalEuropean Journal of Cancer Care
Volume30
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2021

Keywords

  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Hand Strength
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms/therapy
  • Health Services Needs and Demand
  • Humans
  • Survivors

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