Head and Neck Cancer Patients' Health Literacy: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

ABSTRACT Background Head and neck cancer (HNC) is rising globally and linked to poor clinical outcomes. Health Literacy (HL) could potentially have a role throughout the HNC pathway. Methods Following PRISMA, this review assessed HL impact in HNC. Five databases and gray literature were searched for observational studies. Descriptive analysis and proportional meta‐analyses were performed. Results Of the 70 studies, 11 met the inclusion criteria (2153 HNC patients), mostly from the USA ( n = 7). The Brief Health Literacy Screen was the most used tool ( n = 6). The post‐treatment phase and quality of life (QoL) were the main outcomes studied. Inadequate HL (11.9%–47%) was more common among men, laryngeal cancer, and advanced HNC, reducing post‐treatment adherence and delaying postoperative radiotherapy. Adequate HL was associated with higher education, better QoL, better health‐promoting lifestyle, and shorter time to diagnosis. Conclusions HL influences diagnostic timelines, overall QoL, and post‐treatment phase. However, its role in prevention, screening, and survival remains understudied.