The challenge of quality of life: How can people with oral cancer regain the balance of everyday life?

The treatment of oral cancer is often accompanied by a series of dramatic changes in lifestyle. After surgery, treatment or chemotherapy, patients may face a range of problems such as eating difficulties, oral drying, numb tongue or speech disorders. These physical changes not only affect food consumption but may also make daily life more difficult, such as eating food, talking to people and even simple self-cleaning. Faced with these challenges, patients need to learn to adjust their lifestyles and gradually restore a balance in life.During treatment, the patient may need to rely on special diets or aids. For example, the use of straws, soft foods or liquid foods can make it easier for patients to eat; speech therapy and swallow rehabilitation training can improve speech and osmosis and help patients to regain self-confidence in daily communication. In addition, some assistive tools, such as dentures, oral wetting agents and special meals, can help patients better adapt to their new state of life.In addition to physical challenges, psychological adaptation is equally important. Patients may experience depression, anxiety or reduced self-worth after treatment because they need to face a distinct self-image. Psychological support and counselling have therefore become essential. Communication with families, friends and medical teams helps patients express their feelings and reduce psychological stress. In addition, joining support groups and communicating with other patients experiencing similar challenges can provide additional emotional support and practical advice.In order to better adapt to a post-treatment life, patients need to learn to accept their new identity and change. This may include accepting changes in body appearance, adjusting self-esteem and redefining personal values. Maintaining a positive mindset and recognizing that rehabilitation is a gradual process that helps patients better adapt to change. Positive mentalities can be nurtured in many ways, such as participation in relaxation and meditation, artistic creation or musical appreciation.At the same time as physical and psychological adaptation, patients need to set their own rehabilitation goals. These objectives should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART principles). For example, patients can set short-term goals, such as increasing the type and quantity of food consumed daily, or long-term goals, such as resuming work or participating in social activities. By progressively achieving these goals, patients can feel a sense of achievement and progress, thus enhancing confidence and motivation.Moderate sports are also an important part of restoring the quality of life. Patients, under the direction of a doctor, can carry out some mild exercise, such as walking, yoga or oxygen in water. These activities not only help to maintain health but also improve the quality of mood and sleep. Sport can also help patients to establish social contacts and increase interaction with others, thereby reducing feelings of isolation and isolation.Finally, psychological guidance is also indispensable. Psychological guidance can be achieved through regular meetings with professional counsellors and through self-directed exercises such as writing journals, drawings or self-reflection. These methods help patients deal with emotions, understand their feelings and find coping strategies.In sum, it is a complex and lengthy process for people with oral cancer to recover the balance of everyday life after treatment. It requires not only medical intervention, but also a wide range of physical, psychological and social adaptations. Through the above-mentioned dietary adjustment, rehabilitation training in speech and insinuation, psychological support, development of a positive mentality, setting of rehabilitation goals, moderate exercise and psychological guidance, patients can gradually recover their quality of life and find a new life balance. This process requires patience and time, but through sustained efforts, patients are well placed to regain a full and fulfilling life.