Employment status in context to functional and psychological impairment after Head and Neck Tumor

Introduction:

The chance for patients to return to work after head and neck tumor is lower than for patients with other tumor entities. The impairment of physiological and psychological functions and its obvious manifestation is often a great barrier for re-employment. The description of these factors is the basis for an individual and targeted rehabilitation.

Methods:

Patients between 7/2013 and 7/2015 newly diagnosed having head and neck cancer were asked to answer in every aftercare consultation post-treatment questionnaires provided by the patient reported outcome (PRO) instrument “OncoFunction”. Patients younger 65 years are included in the analyses.

Results:

Of 927 patients screened with “OncoFunction”, 231 could be included for analyses up to 12 months and 101 for analyses until 24 month after diagnosis. In the first year 63.5% of patients were unemployed and in the second year 56.4%. Patients who were employed had significantly lower tumor stages, less functional problems (swallowing, speaking), psychological complaints (depression, fatigue) and a better quality of life (QoL). The effects of functional impairment are growing from first to second year.

Conclusions:

Return to work is a highly relevant aspect after treatment of cancer patients. The positive aspects of normalcy and appreciation through social participation can positively impact patients' psychological wellbeing and is good described in literature. This research, however, also shows that a high number of patients will not return to work. In conclusion there is need for customized and function centered rehabilitation programs.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)