More Americans are successfully overcoming cancer, but post-treatment challenges remain, particularly regarding mental health care. A study by Northwestern Medicine found a lack of awareness about survivorship care among many head-and-neck cancer survivors, with a significant number suffering from side effects like dry mouth, swallowing difficulties, and psychological issues.
The research, involving 317 survivors treated between 2013 and 2023, highlighted that over 70% of participants reported their mental health was not addressed during treatment. Additionally, only 28% had information on survivorship care. The study revealed that 40% of survivors continue to experience dry mouth, with nearly a quarter facing issues like swallowing difficulties, altered taste, and dental problems.
The study was published in the journal Supportive Care in Cancer on April 29. Dr. Laila Gharzai, the study's senior author, emphasized the importance of comprehensive survivorship care, which is often neglected. Dr. Gharzai stated, “People are living longer after cancer, which is wonderful,” but noted the lack of comprehensive survivorship services. She highlighted the need to develop programs tailored to the specific needs of patients who have undergone treatments like radiation.
Comprehensive survivorship programs should be based on the Cancer Survivorship Framework, addressing physical effects, psychosocial health, cancer screening, chronic disease management, and health promotion. Dr. Gharzai noted, “That approach can extend beyond head-and-neck cancer to any cancer where survivors live with lasting effects.”
Patient feedback indicated a preference for longer clinic visits every six to twelve months rather than shorter, frequent sessions. Alexis Larson, the study's first author, stated that comprehensive care requires a collaborative team, including oncologists, dietitians, counselors, and social workers.
The growing number of cancer survivors, fueled by advances in detection and treatment, underscores the need for these services. From 18.1 million survivors in 2022, the number is expected to reach 26 million by 2040.
Northwestern is translating the study's findings into action, building a survivorship clinic focusing on head-and-neck cancer within Northwestern Memorial Hospital's Department of Radiation Oncology. A pilot study will also be conducted to integrate cognitive behavioral therapy to assist with mental health needs highlighted as a significant gap.
The study, titled “Survivorship Therapy needs after Radiotherapy for head and Neck cancer: surveying opportunities for Growth (STRONG),” received partial funding from the National Institutes of Health's National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences.