Listening to the voice of patients with head and neck cancer: A systematic review and meta-synthesis

The aim was to conduct a systematic review and a meta-synthesis of primary qualitativestudies exploring experiences of head and neck cancer patients (HNC) undergoingradio and/or chemotherapy, in order to provide a better understanding of thisphenomenon and supply new directions for care and clinical practice. Six databaseswere systematically searched, and 13 studies were included. The meta-synthesismethodology was adopted to conceptualise the way in which patients lived theircancer journey and the impact of treatments on their daily life. Four themes embracingvarious aspects of HNC patients’ experiences were identified: (a) self-body imageand perceived quality of life; (b) experiences and treatment of symptoms; (c) cancerjourney; and (d) the relationship with health professionals. The finding demonstratesthe importance of acknowledging that treatment sequelae and patients’ daily issuesdo not appear, develop and affect people’s lives in isolation and should be consideredand analysed as a whole within the social and cultural context of patients’ lives.Further research is needed to explore the treatment experience of HNC patientsthroughout their cancer journey with a more holistic approach that involves healthprofessionals, caregivers and other family members and peers in the community.