The changed meaning of food: Physical, social and emotional loss for patients having received radiation treatment for head and neck cancer

Abstract

Purpose: Research has drawn attention to the challenges that patients receiving treatment for head and neck cancers experience, including the physical and emotional impact of diagnosis and treatment, the effects of weight loss, challenges related to eating and strategies used by patients to address nutritional problems. There is limited research in head and neck cancer populations about the impact associated with the disruptions and daily experience related to eating problems and the meaning and significance of these changes.

Methods: This article describes research that is part of a larger study about patients' experiences of receiving radiation for head and neck cancer. The article reports an in-depth analysis of one of the subthemes from 17 participants, the changed meaning of food that emerged within the overarching theme of disrupted expectations and changes in life routines in the original study. This paper highlights participants' perspectives about their experiences and the disruptions caused by treatment, with a specific focus on the losses associated with the changed meaning of food.

Results & conclusions: There are physical, emotional and social losses associated with a changed meaning of food for Head and Neck cancer patients. Acknowledging the significance of eating problems and the changed meaning of food is required in order to provide patients with the appropriate support, strategies and interventions to manage with the changes and losses.