ESTRO 2023 - Abstract Book

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ESTRO 2023

Figure 2. [A] Locoregional control and [B] progression-free survival in patients with low-to-intermediate-grade histology [C] Locoregional control and [D] progression-free survival in patients with high-grade histology

Conclusion ART should be strongly recommended for patients with node-negative parotid gland cancer with high-grade histology in terms of disease control and survival. In patients with low-to-intermediate-grade disease, those with adverse prognostic features benefit with ART.

PO-1212 How did treatment affect body image in patients treated for Head and Neck Cancers?

N. Fourati 1 , A. Jribi 1 , F. Dhouib 1 , O. Nouri 1 , W. Siala 1 , W. Mnejja 1 , J. Daoud 1

1 Habib Bourguiba Hospital, Faculty of medecine University of Sfax, Radiotherapy Department, Sfax, Tunisia

Purpose or Objective Body image is a multidimensional concept reflecting the attitude of the individual towards the appearance of his body and its functioning. Head and neck cancers are a heterogeneous group of cancers that often involve heavy treatments affecting the body image of these patients. However, this parameter is often overlooked by health professionals and its impact can be overwhelming. The objective of the study: To assess body image in patients with head and neck cancers at different times of treatment. Materials and Methods This is a single-center descriptive cohort study evaluating body image in adult patients with head and neck cancers through the Body Image Scale (BIS). Forty-six patients were included. The median age was 54.5 years [21-75] with a sex ratio of 2.3. Forty patients (87%) were married. Urban origin was noted in 67.4% of cases (31 patients) and primary education level in 54.3% of cases (25 patients). Nasopharyngeal carcinoma was the most common cancer (28 patients; 61%). The questionnaire was filled out during treatment for 29 patients (63%). Seven patients had a personal history of cancer (15.2%). Treatment was including surgery for 7 patients (15.2%), chemotherapy for 28 patients (61%), and radiotherapy for 29 patients (63%). Results Forty patients had functional symptoms related to cancer or treatment (87%). The most common symptoms were: dysphagia (18 patients; 39.1%), xerostomia (11 patients; 23.9%), hair loss (10 patients; 21.7%), dysgeusia (9 patients; 19.6%), fatigue, and pain in 8 patients (17.4%) each.These symptoms were bothering 28 patients (61%). Mirror avoidance, feeling less attractive, and feeling victims of mutilating treatment were expressed by 12 patients (26.1%) each. Thirteen patients (28.3%) were expressing social avoidance, discomfort with their partner, and lack of self confidence. Sixteen patients (34.8%) were feeling depressed, however, 36 patients (78.3%) were feeling optimistic and no one had expressed suicidal thoughts.