What factors are associated with posttraumatic growth in head and neck cancer carers?

•Article presents the results of one of the largest international studies of head and neck cancer caregivers.•Provides evidence that social support is associated with posttraumatic growth in head and neck cancer caregivers.•Provides evidence that time since diagnosis is associated with posttraumatic growth in carers.

PurposeResearchers have recently called for more work to be conducted on positive outcomes and head and neck cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors associated with posttraumatic growth in head and neck cancer caregivers.Methods and sample197 carers were surveyed. A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used.ResultsIn multivariate analysis the following factors were statistically significantly associated with increased posttraumatic growth: social support, longer time since diagnosis, increased worry about cancer and increased financial stress and strain stemming from caring.ConclusionsWhile HNC carers in the post-treatment phase of the illness trajectory can experience considerable psychological burdens, this study suggests that these burdens can lead some carers to experience growth and change and an expanded sense of themselves and their social worlds. Implications for nursing practice are discussed.