Patient‐Reported Dysphagia and Swallowing‐Related Quality of Life up to 10 Years After (Chemo)radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Cross‐Sectional Study

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.