Self-management strategies used by head and neck cancer survivors following completion of primary treatment: A directed content analysis

Abstract

Objective: Head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors encounter unique challenges following treatment. This study aimed to identify self-management strategies that HNC survivors use to overcome these posttreatment challenges. Methods: Twenty-seven individuals from 4 designated cancer centres in Ireland were interviewed about self-management strategies that helped them overcome challenges following HNC treatment. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed using directed content analysis. Results: Twenty self-management strategy types (encompassing 77 specific strategies) were identified. The most frequently used self-management strategy types were self-sustaining (used by 26 survivors), self-motivating (n = 25), and proactive problem solving (n = 25). The most frequently used specific strategies were adaptive approaches to ongoing physical consequences of HNC and its treatment (n = 24), customising dietary practices (n = 24), and maintaining a positive outlook (n = 22). Conclusions: The study identified strategies that helped HNC survivors to self-manage posttreatment challenges. This information could inform the design/development of self-management interventions tailored towards HNC survivors.