Pain experience following radical treatment for head and neck cancer

During an investigation into the quality of life of people in the year following radical treatment for head and neck cancer, it became apparent that pain was a significant problem. Therefore, the current study was conducted to gain an understanding of the incidence and nature of pain in people who had received radical treatment for head and neck cancer and to explore their attitudes to pain and pain relief. A single cohort study was undertaken using a structured questionnaire designed for people with head and neck cancer (the EORTC QLQ-C30 and the EORTC QLQ H+N35). Fifty questionnaires were received from people who had received radical treatment between 6 and 12 months previously and who were disease-free. Twenty nine of the respondents also consented to a follow-up semi-structured interview. The interviews generated qualitative data about personal experiences of pain and pain management in head and neck cancer. Patient recollections from interviews identified that only nine out of 29 (31%) interviewees had pain at diagnosis. However, 74% (37) of respondents to the questionnaire reported some degree of pain at follow-up. Patients having both surgery and radiotherapy were significantly more likely to have troublesome pain than patients who received radiotherapy only (Fisher's exact test=0.039). The qualitative data identified a wide variety of pain sites, a number of which were not covered by the EORTC tool. A significant number of patients were rejecting regular pharmacological management and using a variety of other pain-relieving measures. We conclude that through an understanding of pain experience and attitudes to pain management, nurses can facilitate the care and support of patients in pain following treatment for head and neck cancer