Title
Enhancing quality of life among head and neck cancer survivors with nurse-led care during radiotherapy
Authors
Padmavathy Murugan1, T.N Vijayasree2, Shankar Shanmugam Rajendran3,*, Duraikannu Anandhi1, Vasanth Pandian Thommai Antony Savari Muthu4, Pradeepa Govindharaj4 & Athya Farheen Mohammed Sulthan4
Affiliation
1Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Madras Medical College, Tamil Nadu Dr .MGR Medical University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; 2Department of Radiation Oncology, Madras Medical College & RGGGH, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; 3Department of Child Health Nursing, College of Nursing, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; 4Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, College of Nursing, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India; *Corresponding author
Padmavathy Murugan - E-mail: padmavathy.murugan7@gmail.com
T.N Vijayasree - E-mail: radiotherapy116@gmail.com
Shankar Shanmugam Rajendran - E-mail: shankarshaki@yahoo.com
Duraikannu Anandhi - E-mail: danandhi01@gmail.com
Vasanth Pandian Thommai Antony Savari Muthu - E-mail:
vasanthpandiant@gmail.com
Pradeepa Govindharaj - E-mail: gvpppa@gmail.com
Athya Farheen Mohammed Sulthan - E-mail: athyasulthan@gmail.com
Article Type
Research Article
Date
Received August 1, 2025; Revised August 31, 2025; Accepted August 31, 2025, Published August 31, 2025
Abstract
The ongoing physical, emotional, and social challenges faced by head and neck cancer (HNC) survivors and their caregivers, particularly after completing treatment is of interest. It should be noted that traditional medical care often overlooks this issue. This study evaluated the effectiveness of nurse-led survivorship care for patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) in managing pain, fatigue and supporting caregivers. A 21-day intervention program, comprising exercises, therapy and educational sessions, significantly reduce pain and fatigue in the experimental group (p < 0.05). Caregiver interviews revealed emotional stress, lack of preparedness and a need for structured support. The intervention helped caregivers cope better by providing guidance and support. Incorporating nurse-led survivorship care into routine practice can significantly improve patient recovery and overall survivorship outcomes.
Keywords
Nurse-led survivorship care, head and neck cancer, pain, fatigue, caregiver experience, radiation therapy
Citation
Murugan et al. Bioinformation 21(8): 2712-2715 (2025)
Edited by
Ritik Kashwani
ISSN
0973-2063
Publisher
License
This is an Open Access article which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly credited. This is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License.
