Resilience: an essential element in head and neck cancer survivorship and quality of life
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ORIGINAL ARTICLE
Resilience: an essential element in head and neck cancer survivorship and quality of life Chelsea MacDonald 1
&
Julie A. Theurer 2,3 & Kevin Fung 3 & John Yoo 3 & Philip C. Doyle 1,3,4
Received: 13 June 2020 / Accepted: 2 November 2020 # Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature 2020
Abstract Purpose Individuals with head and neck cancer (HNCa) face myriad biopsychosocial challenges. Even after treatment completion, these challenges may cause continued disablement and diminished quality of life (QoL). Resilience may serve to minimize the disabling impact of HNCa and, in turn, maximize QoL. The purpose of this study was to formally assess resilience in HNCa survivors and explore its relationship with QoL. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. Forty HNCa survivors completed three validated, self-report questionnaires pertaining to the collection of resilience and QoL data. Descriptive and correlational analyses were performed. Results Resilience was identified in HNCa survivors and a positive correlation was found between resilience and QoL. Conclusions Data suggest that resilience may buffer the influence of HNCa on QoL. Thus, screening for reduced levels of resilience may proactively facilitate identification of those who are most vulnerable to the psychosocial impact of HNCa. Interventions that foster resilience may ameliorate the challenges of HNCa and maximize QoL. Keywords Head and neck cancer . Resilience . Quality of life . Survivorship . Psycho-oncology
Introduction Advances in management of head and neck cancer (HNCa) have improved cure rates, thereby leading to an increased interest in survivorship [1]. Although advanced medical treatment often delivers a biological cure, individuals who have completed treatment are commonly left with challenges that cross physical, psychological, and social boundaries [2]. Moreover, the biopsychosocial challenges that are concomitant with HNCa survivorship often result in substantial * Chelsea MacDonald [email protected] 1
Laboratory for Well-Being and Quality of Life in Oncology, Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, Elborn College, Room 2200, 1201 Western Rd., London N6G 1H1, Canada
2
School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Western University, London, ON, Canada
3
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, London Health Sciences Centre, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, London, Canada
4
Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
detriments to perceived post-treatment quality of life (QoL) [3, 4]. Thus, increased survival rates may equate to increased quantity of life, but by no means do they equate to increased quality of life. In the face of burgeoning need and strained resources for providing post-treatment oncological care of biopsychosocial sequelae secondary to a diagnosis of cancer, a reactive stance to oncological care provision may arise. Despite the wellestablished potential for post-treatment challe
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