Effects of self-management on quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: Head and neck cancer is the seventh most common cancer globally. With improvements in treatment, survival rates have increased, making it a chronic condition for many. However, patients frequently experience substantial changes in physical appearance, speech, swallowing, and other functions, leading to diminished quality of life and significant psychological distress. In recent years, self-management has been identified as a potential intervention to support cancer survivors in managing symptoms, regaining function, and improving psychosocial well-being. While its benefits are recognized in other cancer populations, evidence specific to head and neck cancer remains insufficient.

METHODS

This study conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated the effects of self-management interventions on quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer. A comprehensive search was performed in four databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Airiti Library for studies published in English or Chinese between 1999 and September 2024.

RESULTS

Among 524 identified articles, two RCTs met the inclusion criteria. Both demonstrated that structured self-management interventions led to improvements in overall quality of life and reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms.

CONCLUSION

This review provides preliminary evidence that self-management interventions can benefit head and neck cancer patients. Although the number of studies is limited, findings suggest that individualized education and nurse-led support may enhance survivorship outcomes. Future research should focus on developing standardized, evidence-based self-management models validated in large-scale trials.