Abstract
This preliminary investigation examined potential barriers to effective assessment and treatment of patients who undergo radiotherapy in the head and neck cancer (HNC) population. The focus of the study was to determine whether oral or vocal hygiene is discussed with HNC patients during pre-radiation and post-radiation consultations, and if there is a need for oral and vocal hygiene protocols for HNC patients treated with radiotherapy. Physiological effects of radiotherapy, and hygiene protocols and their potential effect on reduction of radiotherapy symptom severity are discussed. A total of 15 Otolaryngologists—Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physicians—and 15 Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) responded to a web-based survey regarding clinical services and information provided to HNC patients in the pre-radiation and post-radiation stages of the radiotherapy treatment process. Respondents from both ENT and SLP groups indicated that consultations with HNC patients prior to radiotherapy were conducted less frequently than after radiotherapy, and that it would be beneficial to have an oral or vocal hygiene protocol for HNC patients.