Support group preferences for patients with head and neck cancer: cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Cancers arising from the head and neck represents the seventh most common cancer site in Australia (1), accounting for over 700,000 (over 5%) new cancer diagnoses worldwide and an estimated 450,000 (4.8%) deaths each year (2). The demographics and prognosis of patients with head and neck cancer are diverse and continually changing. In contrast to tobacco-related mucosal cancer, human papilloma virus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancers are common in younger males (3). HPV associated tumours have a much more favourable prognosis than smoking associated mucosal cancers (4). Several new treatments are emerging, such as immunotherapy, which are prolonging the lives of many patients with head and neck cancer. Improved survival means a larger cohort of patients are living with the long-term effects of the cancer and its treatment on their quality of life (QOL) (5). These patients live with the physical and emotional consequences of Original Article