title: A descriptive analysis of the relationship between quality of life and distress in individuals with head and neck cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Both short- and long-term outcomes for individuals with head and neck cancer (HNCa) may be influenced by multiple factors. Identification of distress in those with HNCa may provide a critical dimension that influences quality of life (QoL). Consequently, this investigation assessed distress and QoL in those with HNCa.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study utilized a cross-sectional, self-report survey design. Participants included 49 adults diagnosed with HNCa. Upon assessment, post-diagnosis time ranged between 3-12 months. All participants completed a validated distress screening measure, the Brief Symptom Inventory 18 (BSI-18), and the EORTC general QoL assessment tool (EORTC-QLQ-C30) and HNCa module (EORTC-QLQ-H&N35).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Approximately 22% of participants demonstrated clinically significant distress. Additionally, distress was significantly related to QoL status and specific symptoms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Screening for distress in those with HNCa may permit early identification of problems that influence QoL outcomes. The ability to identify distress early may also facilitate timely intervention to reduce distress and optimize QoL.
authors: Laboratory for Well-Being and Quality of Life in Oncology, Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada. cbornba@uwo.ca
authors: Catherine C
authors: CC
authors: Bornbaum
authors: Kevin
authors: K
authors: Fung
authors: Jason H
authors: JH
authors: Franklin
authors: Anthony
authors: A
authors: Nichols
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Yoo
authors: Philip C
authors: PC
authors: Doyle
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D057566:Self Report; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*