Psychological And Psychosocial Implications Of Head And Neck Cancer

Cancer can have a devastating effect on individuals and their families. Head and neck cancer can be particularly difficult because of the possibility of disfigurement and functional impairment. Psychosocial issues facing the head and neck cancer patient are numerous and include: coping with the initial cancer diagnosis, adjustment to living with cancer and the treatments involved (including difficulties with speech, eating and drinking, and sexual adjustment), depression and anxiety. The patient must also often confront issues with a spouse and family, facial disfigurement, rehabilitation, and for the terminal cancer patient, accepting death. It is recommended that additional psychosocial research and patient education efforts continue in order to assist head and neck cancer patients and their families.