Lickova Katerina1, Ambrus Miloslav1, Klezl Petr2, Vranova Jana3, Kratka Zuzana4, Cocek Ales4
1Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague.
2Department of Urology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague.
3Institute of Medical Biophysics and Medical Informatics, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague.
4Department of Otorinolaryngology, Thomayer Hospital, Prague.
Summary
We focused on the research of risk factors for head and neck cancer (HNC) and the aim of our study was to confirm the influence of known external risk factors (alcohol and smoking) and further correlate the overall clinical and socio-economic status of the patient with HNC. In contrast to previous studies, we confirmed the results of the study with a control group of patients with other heterogeneous oncological diagnoses (HOD). A non-standardized questionnaire focusing on socio-economic and behavioral risk factors was developed. We used a visual analogue scale (VAS from 0 to 10 cm) to measure the quality of life and clinical data were obtained retrospectively from medical records and from the UNIS database of the hospital system. According to the results of our study, we found significant differences in risk factors for HNC and HOD. In addition to lifestyle risks, we find statistically significant differences in socio-economic aspects and in family and social background. The results and analysis of our study successfully met the proposed goals. The significant influence of smoking and alcohol on the development of HNC was confirmed and in connection with this a direct correlation between the influence of risky behavior, lower socioeconomic status, poor family and socioeconomic background and clinical factors on the development of head and neck cancer was demonstrated. The study showed a different etiology of HNC and HOD with respect to socioeconomic status.
Key words: head and neck cancer, oncology, quality of life, risk factors, socioeconomic status.