Table 2 Scores for the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire (n = 95)

Pain

I have severe pain, not controlled by medication

I have severe pain controlled only by prescription medicine

I have moderate pain - requires regular medication

There is mild pain not needing medication

I have no pain

Appearance

I cannot be with people due to my appearance

I feel significantly disfigured and limit my activities due to my appearance

My appearance bothers me but I remain active

The change in my appearance is minor

There is no change in my appearance

Activity

I am usually in bed or chair and don’t leave home

I don’t go out because I don’t have the strength

I am often tired and have slowed down my activities although I still get out

There are times when I can’t keep up my old pace, but not often

I am as active as I have ever been.

Recreation

I can’t do anything enjoyable

There are severe limitations to what I can do, mostly I stay at home and watch TV

There are many times when I wish I could get out more, but I’m not up to it

There are a few things I can’t do but I still get out and enjoy life

There are no limitations to recreation at home or away from home

Swallowing

I cannot swallow because it “goes down the wrong way” and chokes me

I can only swallow liquid food

I cannot swallow certain solid foods

I can swallow as well as ever

Chewing

I cannot even chew soft solids

I can eat soft solids but cannot chew some foods

I can chew as well as ever

Speech

I cannot be understood

Only my family and friends can understand me.

I have difficulty saying some words but I can be understood over the phone

My speech is the same as always

Shoulder

I cannot work or do my hobbies due to problems with my shoulder

Pain or weakness in my shoulder has caused me to change my work / hobbies

My shoulder is stiff but it has not affected my activity or strength

I have no problem with my shoulder

Taste

I cannot taste any foods

I can taste some foods

I can taste most foods normally

I can taste food normally

Saliva

I have no saliva

I have too little saliva

I can taste most foods normally

I can taste food normally

Mood

I am extremely depressed about my cancer

I am somewhat depressed about my cancer

I am neither in a good mood nor depressed about my cancer

My mood is generally good and only occasionally affected by my cancer

My mood is excellent and unaffected by my cancer

Anxiety

I am very anxious about my cancer

I am anxious about my cancer

I am a little anxious about my cancer

I am not anxious about my cancer