Psychosocial adjustment of patients surgically treated for head and neck cancer.
Sixty-six patients, surgically treated for head and neck cancer and free of disease, were interviewed at the outpatient clinic from 6 months to 8 years after surgery. The patients were divided by the physician into two groups, according to the patients' degree of disfigurement, i.e., minor (24 patients, 36%, minor disfigurement group = MDG) or extensive (42 patients, 64%, extensive disfigurement group = EDG). Subsequently, the patients were interviewed with close-ended questions. The following subjective aspects were assessed: self-image; relationship with the partner, family, and friends; and the overall impact of the therapy. The results of the study showed a significantly higher impact in the EDG versus the MDG as regards a changed self-image (57% vs 25%, P less than 0.05), a worsened relationship with the partner (27% vs 0%, P less than 0.05), a reduced sexuality (74% vs 39%, P less than 0.01), and an increased social isolation (36% vs 12%, P less than 0.05). On the whole, 18% of the subjects stated that the disadvantages of therapy outweighed the advantages, and 30% fell that the difficulties encountered were "too harsh." In such cases, the opportunity of setting up a rehabilitation program offering psychosocial support should be considered.
Gamba
A
A
Psychology Division, National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy.
Romano
M
M
Grosso
I M
IM
Tamburini
M
M
Cantú
G
G
Molinari
R
R
Ventafridda
V
V
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001828:Body Image; D004954:Esthetics; D005145:Face; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000523:psychology*; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D012917:Social Adjustment