Psychological Distress Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated with Chemotherapy and Those Treated With Radiotherapy

Abstract

Head and neck cancer patients experience a variety of psychiatric symptoms and disorders, at greater rate than those seen in patients with other types of cancer. This study investigated the differences in the degree of anxiety and depression among head and neck cancer patients treated with only chemotherapy and those treated with only radiotherapy. The sample consisted of forty, 30–50 years middle class, married male head and neck cancer patients, who were on I and II stage of the illness, purposively selected from cancer department, S.N. Medical College, Agra. Out of 40, 20 patients were treated with only chemotherapy and the rest were treated with only radiotherapy. Ex-post facto research design was used. Result revealed that anxiety level was high in patients treated with only radiotherapy. Depression level of cancer patients treated with only chemotherapy was high as compared to those treated with only radiotherapy.

Keywords: Head and neck cancer, anxiety, depression, radiotherapy and chemotherapy

Cite this Article:

Preeti Srivastav. Psychological Distress Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated With Chemotherapy and Those Treated With Radiotherapy. Research and Reviews: Journal of Oncology and Hematology (RRJoOH). 2015; 4(1):    23–28p.