Multidisciplinary Approaches to Head & Neck Cancer Care

Head and neck cancers account for approximately 4% of all cancers in the United States.¹ Referred to collectively as head and neck cancers, these squamous cell carcinomas can develop in or around the mouth, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), nose, sinuses, and salivary glands—however mouth, throat, or voice box cancer are the most diagnosed among all head and neck cancers.¹

As alcohol and tobacco use (including secondhand smoke and smokeless “chewing” tobacco) are two of the most common risk factors for development of head and neck cancers, there is often a stigma or shame associated with patients diagnosed with head and neck cancers, adding an additional layer of psychosocial distress for patients. However, head and neck cancers may also develop in nonsmokers, due to infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), occupational or industrial exposure to wood dust or other particles or fibers, radiation exposure, Epstein-Barr virus infection, ancestry, or other underlying genetic disorders.¹ Patients with head and neck cancers may also experience significant challenges and distress associated with disease symptoms, difficulty eating, difficulty communicating, and other psychosocial factors that can reduce their quality of life.

If detected early, approximately 80% of individuals diagnosed with head and neck cancers can survive.² Advances in treatment and a multimodal approach (that may include surgery, radiation therapy, systemic medical therapy with chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and/or immunotherapy) are improving outcomes, however access to therapies and effective multimodal care coordination remains a challenge.

To improve care delivery for patients diagnosed with head and neck cancers, the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC), with its program partner Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, has launched an educational initiative to identify and address existing barriers to accessing care and optimal care coordination. Through patient/caregiver and provider surveys, insights from multidisciplinary stakeholders, and patient/provider focus groups, this program will explore challenges related to clinical gaps in care delivery, unmet needs, timely cancer diagnosis and care, disparities impacting access to care, and how to mitigate the stigma of the disease. The program also highlights and addresses the importance of multi-modal care coordination and the role of supportive care via comprehensive cancer services (eg, psychosocial and nutrition services) for this unique patient population.

Findings from this program will help guide development of future resources cancer programs can utilize to address current barriers and to optimize care delivery for patients with head and neck cancers.

For more information on this project, please contact the ACCC Provider Education department.

Landscape Analysis

While recent advances in treatment are improving outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer, multidisciplinary care models and strategies to address psychosocial support for patients and caregivers can significantly improve care. ACCC explores current practices in clinical treatment of head and neck cancer and highlights effective approaches to utilizing multimodal care coordination across various practice settings.
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References

1. Head and neck cancers. National Cancer Institute. Published June 9, 2021. Accessed September 21, 2023. https://www.cancer.gov/types/head-and-neck/head-neck-fact-sheet
2. Home. Head and Neck Cancer Alliance. Published May 16, 2017. Accessed September 21, 2023. https://www.headandneck.org/