An exploration of the pretreatment coping strategies of patients with carcinoma of the head and neck

BACKGROUND. Patients with head and neck carcinoma (HNC) often face exhaustive and debilitating treatment as well as physical and functional residual effects, such as disfigurement, compromised speech, dry mouth, and difficulties swallowing. Understanding how patients cope with these challenges is important in comprehensive care of patients with HNC. METHODS. Seventy-nine patients with HNC were assessed for quality of life (QOL) and coping strategy. Measures included the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Head and Neck, the Performance Status Scale for Head and Neck Cancer Patients, and the Ways of Coping-Cancer Version. Coping strategies were summarized and related to patient demographics and QOL. RESULTS. The results suggested that patients with HNC used a wide range of coping strategies, with social support seeking behaviors representing the greatest proportion of total coping effort (25%). The use of avoidant coping strategies (both cognitive and behavioral escape) was associated with poorer overall QOL. CONCLUSIONS. Although further examination of these issues in larger groups of patients with HNC is warranted, the current findings suggest the adaptability of this group of patients and the potential benefit of social support-based assistance or intervention. (C) 2002 American Cancer Society.