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Identifying unmet needs and limitations in physical health in survivors of Head and Neck Cancer
Author(s) -
Hinte Gerben,
Leijendekkers Ruud A.,
Merkx Matthias A.W.,
Takes Robert P.,
Nijhuisvan der Sanden Maria W.G.,
Speksnijder Caroline M.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
european journal of cancer care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.849
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1365-2354
pISSN - 0961-5423
DOI - 10.1111/ecc.13434
Subject(s) - medicine , shoulders , head and neck cancer , grip strength , physical therapy , health care , head and neck , gerontology , physical medicine and rehabilitation , cancer , surgery , economic growth , economics
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.