The holistic connection – integrative care in head and neck cancer

Worldwide head and neck cancer (HNC) is increasing owing to rising rates of tobacco use and human papillomavirus infection. There are over 800,000 new cases diagnosed annually with many thousands living with the side effects of treatment.

To support themselves through their journey, there is an ever-increasing number reaching to complementary therapies.¹

• 87% use one or more therapies²
• 59% of radiation therapy patients use complementary therapies³

Integrative oncology emphasizes:

• the innate ability of the body to heal itself
• the importance of living a healthy lifestyle
• using a whole‐person, relationship-centred approach
• integration of conventional and complementary methods of treatment and prevention
• the use of natural, less invasive interventions when possible

Head and neck cancer patients can have numerous unique side effects from treatment. With the intense treatment regimens, which may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of all three, patients with HNC suffer adverse impacts to their swallowing, speaking, and quality-of-life. Integrative treatments can provide considerable relief for many of their symptoms and may offer a valuable component to their care.⁴

Dysphagia is one of the most common complication of HNC radiation treatment (~55% of patients)⁴, and one of the main predictors of quality-of-life post-treatment. It results from multiple factors including:^4,5

• taste loss
• dry mouth (xerostomia)
• stricture
• fibrosis
• jaw movement restriction (trismus)
• dental issues.

A well-integrated management plan including oral health experts and speech pathologists (supporting swallowing, eating and speech) can assist in compensating for treatment- and disease-associated morbidities and improve quality-of-life.^4,5

Evidence also supports exercise as an important component for assisting HNC patients with cancer-related fatigue, functional capacity, mood, and recovery time for those receiving chemo-radiation treatment. Incorporating an exercise program that include aerobic and active-resistance exercise can improve a patient’s outcomes.⁶

Integrative care ensures an evidence-based approach to incorporate the best therapies for the patient – conventional or complementary - throughout all stages of their journey.⁷

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 ensures 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.