Living Beyond the Battle: Quality of Life Among Oral Cancer Survivors

Cancers are one of the most devastating groups of human pathologies, presenting the versatile range of hallmark clinical features and leading to millions of deaths each year around the globe. Even with the latest advancements in oral cancer treatment, patients continue to grapple with adverse effects across physical, emotional and social aspects of their lives. Modern medicine has not been directed only towards the cure and survival of the patients but also their well-being; yet, chronic conditions like oral cancer can significantly affect one's quality of life. Evaluating quality of life should serve as a measure of the success of multidisciplinary treatment, pinpointing areas where the individual requires additional support. Health related quality of life (HRQoL) serves as a subjective assessment of health status, often assessed through generic or disease-specific questionnaires, offering valuable insights into multiple aspects of patients’ lives. Similarly, oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is determined by individuals’ perceptions of how their oral health influences their overall quality of life. Recognizing the diverse characteristics of oral cancer patients and the various treatments they undergo, the results of OHRQoL assessments post-treatment for oral cancer patients seem to present some inconsistency and complexity in the literature. The knowledge regarding OHRQOL in these patients may provide the level and the most essential time period of support they need from the healthcare professionals. Further, it provides the success of the involvement of multidisciplinary healthcare team. Hence, this narrative review highlights the various domains of quality of life among oral cancer survivors.