Sharing a diagnosis of HPV-related head and neck cancer: The emotions, the confusion, and what patients want to know Journal Article
| Authors: | Baxi, S. S.; Shuman, A. G.; Corner, G. W.; Shuk, E.; Sherman, E. J.; Elkin, E. B.; Hay, J. L.; Pfister, D. G. |
| Article Title: | Sharing a diagnosis of HPV-related head and neck cancer: The emotions, the confusion, and what patients want to know |
| Abstract: | Background Oropharyngeal cancers are increasingly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). Little is known about the experience of patients receiving this diagnosis. Methods Semistructured interviews were conducted with ten survivors of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. The interviews were transcribed, and recurring themes were identified. Results Physicians were a trusted source of information regarding HPV. Framing the diagnosis in terms of prognosis resonated with patients. The uncertainty about transmission, latency, and communicability colored the dialogue about HPV. Despite some understanding of prevalence and transmission, patients worried about their partner's risk. Patients sought information about HPV on the Internet, but it was not easily navigable. Emotional reactions to the diagnosis remained mostly cancer-centric rather than HPV-centric. A patient-education handout was developed in response to patient questions. Conclusions Additional educational resources explaining the facts about HPV in HNSCC in a consistent way including content of highest priority to patients may improve understanding of HPV. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. |
| Keywords: | adult; clinical article; quality of life; prevalence; patient education; cancer survivor; head and neck cancer; oropharynx cancer; emotion; semi structured interview; disease transmission; wart virus; oropharynx; patient communication; cancer prognosis; therapeutic misconception; human papillomavirus (hpv); confusion (uncertainty) |
| Journal Title: | Head & Neck |
| Volume: | 35 |
| Issue: | 11 |
| ISSN: | 1043-3074 |
| Publisher: | John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
| Date Published: | 2013-11-01 |
| Start Page: | 1534 |
| End Page: | 1541 |
| Language: | English |
| DOI: | 10.1002/hed.23182 |
| PROVIDER: | scopus |
| PMCID: | PMC3689851 |
| PUBMED: | 23169350 |
| DOI/URL: | |
| Notes: | --- - "Export Date: 2 December 2013" - "CODEN: HEANE" - "Source: Scopus" |
Altmetric
Citation Impact
BMJ Impact Analytics
Related MSK Work