Oral Oncology Reports (Jun 2024)
The impact of facial disfigurement and self-image anxiety on the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients
Abstract
Quality of life is a concept referring to the physical, psychological and emotional well-being of individuals. It is affected by various aspects of one’s life including physical health, interpersonal relationships, psychological well-being and other environmental factors. Head and neck cancer patients undergo surgery and chemotherapy which could lead to changes in their facial appearance as well as voice and speech, resulting in self-image anxiety. It impacts the patients’ self-esteem, perception and confidence negatively. This research aims to study how facial disfiguration and self-image anxiety affects the overall quality of life of head and neck cancer patients. The relationship between cancer and the quality of life of cancer patients is complex, as they face various challenges such as the disease itself, its treatment and the impact it has on their self-image. The existing literature related to the subject was examined, including various articles, review papers and research papers. Altogether, we identified and reviewed 20 articles. The inclusion criteria focused on papers on the quality of life of cancer patients, facial disfigurement post-surgery, self-image anxiety among head and neck cancer patients. The studies indicate that head and neck cancer patients experienced negative body image due to facial disfigurement from surgery and chemotherapy. This resulted in increased self-image anxiety among the cancer patients. It is observed that the physical pain, distress, facial disfiguration and self-image anxiety impacted their quality of life and overall well-being negatively.
