title: Best practices in the management of the psycho-oncologic aspects of head and neck cancer patients: recommendations from the European Head and Neck Cancer Society Make Sense Campaign.
abstract: Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) is considered a worldwide health care problem. The majority of patients have a history of alcohol abuse and high-level tobacco consumption; however, SCCHN is also associated with exposure to viruses including human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus. A major problem facing SCCHN patients is that their disease is often diagnosed at an advanced stage where treatment options may not be curative, or can have severe post-treatment consequences. Confronted with their diagnosis and treatment options, the patient can express a range of emotional reactions which may lead to maladaptive coping. During the SCCHN patient journey, there are a number of stages where emotional support could be offered. A point of contact should be allocated to help patients navigate these stages and deliver practical emotive support (such as encouraging attendance at hospital appointments, compliance with lifestyle modifications and treatment adherence), and to identify if or when more advanced emotive support, in the form of a mental health professional, might be needed. This role might be carried out by a representative within the multidisciplinary health care team (e.g. a nurse). While optimal care is provided by specialist health care professionals, each with specific roles and responsibilities during the patient journey, all are important in screening for emotional distress and providing referral to the mental health team. This article reviews the key points for delivering emotional support to SCCHN patients at each stage of their care. Emotional problems cannot be ignored in SCCHN patients if optimal outcomes are to be achieved, particularly as therapeutic options extend overall survival for many patients. Health care professionals must be able to implement efficient screening for psychological distress to support patient's compliance to their care and treatment. They must also be able to recognize when to refer patients at risk for pharmacological and/or psychotherapeutic interventions.
authors.affiliation: Psycho-oncology Team, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France. Electronic address: m-reich@o-lambret.fr.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Reich
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Leemans
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerpen, Belgium.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Vermorken
authors.affiliation: Department of Radio-Oncology, Clinique de Genolier, Genolier, Switzerland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bernier
authors.affiliation: Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Licitra
authors.affiliation: Maxillofacial Department, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Parmar
authors.affiliation: The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Golusinski
authors.affiliation: Departement of Head and Neck Cancer, Centre Oscar Lambret, Lille, France.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Lefebvre
mesh_terms: D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D019468:Disease Management; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team; D000077195:Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; D044465:White People
keywords: SCCHN; emotional support; psycho-oncology