Longitudinal Assessment of Quality of Life among Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Radiotherapy

Abstract

Introduction: With a significant increase in head and neck carcinomas (HNC) patients’ survival with the recent advances in treatment modalities, the impact of treatment-related morbidities often continues to have an impact on their quality of life (QoL). The aim of the study is to evaluate changes in QoL in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy using FACT-HN scores. Material & Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from August 2023 to February 2024. A sample of 60 patients scheduled to undergo radiotherapy was selected based on previous hospital records. QoL assessment was done using the FACT-HN (Version 4) questionnaire at five follow-up points. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess changes in QoL scores over time. Results: Among the 60 participants, 83.33% were male, and 43.33% were aged 45 to 60 years. Tumor sites included buccal mucosa (38.33%) and tongue (26.67%). Physical well-being scores significantly declined from baseline to the 4th week of post-RT (p <0.001). Social and emotional well-being remained stable over time. Total FACT-HN score declined significantly by the 4th week and the end of RT (p <0.05). However, at 1 and 4 months post-RT, all FACT-H&N components showed improvement. Conclusion: This study concludes that the quality of life among head and neck cancer patients significantly declined during radiotherapy, with the lowest scores recorded at the end of treatment. Four months after treatment, scores improved and returned close to baseline level. There is a need of integrating psychological counselling, nutritional support, and rehabilitation programs to enhance patient outcomes.