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 < 0.05), a worsened relationship with the partner (27% vs 0%, P < 0.05), a reduced sexuality (74% vs 39%, P < 0.01), and an increased social isolation (36% vs 12%, P < 0.05). On the whole, 18% of the subjects stated that the disadvantages of therapy outweighed the advantages, and 30% felt that the difficulties encountered were “too harsh.” In such cases, the opportunity of setting up a rehabilitation program offering psychosocial support should be considered.