Postradiation trismus in head and neck cancer survivors: a qualitative study of effects on life, rehabilitation, used coping strategies and support from the healthcare system

This study aimed to explore the experiences of head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors with postradiation trismus, specifically how oncological treatment affected their lives, rehabilitation, use of coping strategies, and healthcare experiences. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was used and semi-structured interviews of 10 HNC survivors with postradiation trismus were conducted 6–30 months after completing oncological treatment. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed by qualitative content analysis.

The analysis of interviews yielded four main categories: Bodily symptoms, Effects on life, Support from the healthcare system, and Strategies to handle life and symptoms. Participants reported ongoing problems with xerostomia, dysgeusia, eating, and limited physical fitness. Pain related to trismus was not a major issue in this cohort. Participants expressed limitations in their social lives due to their eating difficulties, yet a sense of thankfulness for life and overall satisfaction with the healthcare they received. Psychological and practical coping strategies developed by the participants were also revealed.

The results highlight areas of unmet need among HNC survivors that healthcare providers can target by establishing multi-professional teams dedicated to individualizing post-cancer rehabilitation care.