
This study assessed post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in 155 head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, divided into pre-pandemic (n = 76) and pandemic (n = 79) groups. In the pre-pandemic group, younger age and a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) were linked to higher PTSS, with the FKBP5 CC genotype mediating this association by 29%. During the pandemic, elevated PTSS scores were associated with depression, the negative impact of the pandemic, and palliative treatment. These findings highlight the psychosocial and genetic factors influencing PTSS in HNC patients, underscoring the additional stresses caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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