Influence of deprivation on health-related quality of life of patients with cancer of the head and neck in Merseyside and Cheshire

The incidence of cancer of the head and neck, and the outcome of treatment in terms of survival and health-related quality of life (HRQoL), is linked to deprivation. We have explored the association of social deprivation with HRQoL and with fear of recurrence in patients treated for cancer of the head and neck in Merseyside and Cheshire. In 2013, we posted cross-sectional surveys to 805 patients treated for oral, oropharyngeal, or laryngeal tumours. We used the University of Washington quality of life score (UW-QoLv4) to measure HRQoL, a 7-item questionnaire to measure fear of recurrence, and the 2010 Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) to measure deprivation. There was a 60% (448) response to the survey, with response ranging from 52% (167/322) from those living in the most deprived national quartile of residential areas to 74% (110/148) living in the least deprived quartile. Relative to the national distribution, the sample was notably deprived as 37% (167/448) lived in the most deprived quartile. After adjusting for clinical and personal characteristics, the results suggest a residual association between deprivation and overall quality of life (QoL), particularly socioemotional function. The association seemed weaker in regard to fear of recurrence and physical function. Our findings emphasise the need to explore ways to encourage more patients to attend follow-up appointments as this might improve their QoL, reduce distress, and help them to improve their life-style. It could also have an impact on survival.