Background: This study sought to better understand patient-reported dysphagia and swallowing-related quality of life (swQOL) in patients 6 months to 10 years following definitive (chemo)radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC).
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, self-reported dysphagia was assessed with the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) and swQOL with the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) at a single point in time. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also obtained.
Results: Completed questionnaires were received from 626 of 962 (65%) patients with various tumor sites, stages, and time since treatment (M = 58 months, range 6-128). Dysphagia (EAT-10 ≥ 3) was reported by 444 patients (71%), and poor swQOL (MDADI < 60) by 138 (22%). Several sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment variables were significantly associated with dysphagia and poorer swQOL. Outcomes were not associated with time since treatment.
Conclusions: There remains a high prevalence of dysphagia and poor swQOL up to a decade posttreatment for HNC. This data can help guide survivorship care and lead mitigation strategies to reduce the persistent physical, emotional, and social burden of dysphagia.
Keywords: chemoradiation; dysphagia; head and neck cancer; patient‐reported outcomes; quality‐of‐life.
© 2025 The Author(s). Head & Neck published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.