title: Effective mouth care for head and neck radiation therapy patients.
abstract: The American Cancer Society (1994) estimated that 42,100 people were diagnosed with head and neck cancers in 1994. The purpose of this article is to provide information regarding incidence and survival rates and to discuss risk factors and high-risk behaviors associated with head and neck cancer. The author reviews basic oral anatomy, radiobiology, and current research related to mouth care and symptom management. Innovative measures that can be used by both health care professionals and patients to reduce mouth problems caused by radiation therapy, and professional recommendations for mouth care are included.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Ganley
mesh_terms: D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D009910:Oral Hygiene