Occupational roles of people with head and neck cancer

Abstract

The head and neck cancer has a high incidence and high mortality and its diagnosis and treatment infl uence the occupational life of the diseased person and their family. OBJECTIVE: To know the configuration of the occupational roles of people with this type of cancer, undergoing total or partial laryngectomy. METHODS: A quantitative, exploratory cross-sectional study approved by the Ethics Committee (Proc. No. 1102/2010). We used the protocol “List of Identifi cation of Occupational Roles”, validated in Brazil; quantitative data were analyzed by chi-square test. Additional qualitative data were collected through open interviews and analyzed by the method of content analysis. PATIENTS: Study group with 30 persons served by Head and Neck Surgery (CCP), with 15 ward in the immediate post-surgical, outpatient and 15, (at least one year after surgery). Control group consisting of 30 people without cancer. Were selected from the outpatient clinic 3 (20% of the study group) for interviews. RESULTS: It was demonstrated that there were changes or loss of occupational roles, especially the role of worker. CONCLUSION: The psychosocial and occupational consequences of head and neck cancer should be considered and cared for better and more effective treatment provided to this population.