The holistic connection – integrative care in head and neck cancer

Cases of head and neck cancer (HNC) are increasing worldwide, largely due to high rates of tobacco use and infections with the human papillomavirus.¹ Treatment regimens for HNC – which may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of all three – can often be challenging for patients and can be associated with a range of unique side effects that negatively impact patients’ swallowing, speaking, and overall quality of life.^2,3

Across the globe, over 875,000 new cases of HNC were diagnosed in 2020*⁴ – meaning that there may be many thousands of patients living with side effects related to their HNC treatment. To help support themselves through their cancer journey, patients with HNC may turn to complementary or alternative therapies such as herbal medicines, dietary supplements, acupuncture, and meditation or visualisation.^3,5

Integrative cancer care, or integrative oncology, describes the integration of conventional and complementary methods of cancer treatment and prevention. With the aim to optimise health, quality of life, and clinical outcomes before, during, and after treatment, integrative oncology emphasises:^3,5

• A patient-centred, whole-person approach to cancer care
• The innate ability of the body to heal itself and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle
• The use of evidence-based mind and body practices, natural interventions, and lifestyle modifications when possible

For patients with HNC, integrative oncology may help provide relief from their cancer-related and treatment-related symptoms and may represent a valuable avenue for maintaining or improving their quality of life.^3,6 Studies suggest that among patients undergoing treatment for HNC, up to 79% will use some form of integrative care^†3,6

Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is one of the most common side effects of HNC treatment, affecting around 50% to 60% of patients who undergo radiation therapy for HNC.^‡3 In addition to dysphagia, other treatment-related side effects that affect eating and quality of life include loss of taste, dry mouth (xerostomia), mouth sores (oral mucositis), muscle scarring (fibrosis), reduced jaw opening (trismus), and dental issues.^2,3,7

For patients living with HNC, a well-integrated care plan that incorporates oral health experts to manage mouth problems, speech pathologists to support swallowing, eating, and speech, and dieticians to advise on nutrition can help with challenges associated with both their treatment and disease and improve quality of life.^2,3,7

Exercise is also considered an important component of integrative oncology care for patients with HNC.² Incorporating an exercise program that includes aerobic and active resistance exercises has been shown to help improve cancer-related fatigue, functional capacity, and quality of life for those patients with HNC who undergo chemo-radiation treatment.⁸

Integrative oncology works in conjunction with multidisciplinary care frameworks to help deliver a personalised, evidence-based approach that incorporates the best therapies for each patient – conventional or complementary - throughout all stages of their HNC journey.⁵

Dr Melanie Jackson, Head of Department at GenesisCare Wembley, says

The multidisciplinary oncology team plays an integral role in the management of patients with head and neck cancers. Their involvement aims to ensure optimal outcome in this group of patients undergoing complex treatment and side effects. Removing the barriers to activate the body’s innate healing response – activating mechanisms that we have – to return to optimal health and homeostasis.

Many of our GenesisCare centres celebrate World Head and Neck Cancer Day each year.

Leading Head and Neck Cancer Prof. June Corry at St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne. 

GenesisCare, Macquarie University Hospital celebrating World Head and Neck Day.

Footnotes

*Based on GLOBOCAN estimates of the incidence of HNC (comprising cancer of the lip, oral cavity, larynx, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx) across 185 countries in 2020; Sung H, et al. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021.⁴

^†Nguyen CT, et al. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2018; Matovina C, et al. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017.^3,6

^‡Nguyen CT, et al. Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol. 2018.³

Disclaimer

Any medical procedure or treatment involving the use of radiation carries risks, including skin irritation and associated pain. Before proceeding with treatment, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the treatment with an appropriately qualified health practitioner. Individual treatment outcomes and experiences will vary. This information does not represent the outcome in your particular situation.