Experiences and coping strategies related to food and eating up to two years after the termination of treatment in patients with head and neck cancer

The purpose was to describe how patients with head and neck cancer experience and cope with difficulties related to food and eating up to two years after the termination of treatment. One hundred and thirty-five patients were followed with thematically structured interviews. The patients' responses of nutritional issues were categorised using similarities and differences technique. In the analysis, six categories emerged describing the process of eating and drinking from the end of treatment up to two years after treatment: The constant battle-eating and drinking over time, Food alterations and nutritional support-both pros and cons, Standing aside and not joining in when eating together with others, Finding ways to cope and to make the new a part of everyday life, Relationships and social support-hindrances and facilitators, and Longing for normality. Results imply that patients struggle with physiological, psychological and social aspects related to food and eating, and use coping mechanisms to facilitate their eating problems. The best practice for rehabilitation and follow-up must be established in order to meet the multifaceted needs of head and neck cancer survivors.