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European white paper : oropharyngeal dysphagia in head and neck cancer

Purpose To develop a European White Paper document on oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in head and neck cancer (HNC). There are wide variations in the management of OD associated with HNC across Europe. Methods Experts in the management of specific aspects of OD in HNC across Europe were delegated by their professional medical and multidisciplinary societies to contribute to this document. Evidence is based on systematic reviews, consensus-based position statements, and expert opinion. Results Twenty-four sections on HNC-specific OD topics. Conclusion This European White Paper summarizes current best practice on management of OD in HNC, providing recommendations to support patients and health professionals. The body of literature and its level of evidence on diagnostics and treatment for OD in HNC remain poor. This is in the context of an expected increase in the prevalence of OD due to HNC in the near future. Contributing factors to increased prevalence include aging of our European population (including HNC patients) and an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) related cancer, despite the introduction of HPV vaccination in various countries. We recommend timely implementation of OD screening in HNC patients while emphasizing the need for robust scientific research on the treatment of OD in HNC. Meanwhile, its management remains a challenge for European professional associations and policymakers.Peer reviewe

Oral cancer: knowledge, practices and opinions of dentists in Ireland.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Early detection of oral cancer improves prognosis, but the malignancy is often detected at advanced stages, when more aggressive therapies, often with poor and devastating outcomes for the patient, are needed. Oral cancer can be detected by opportunistic screening of oral mucosa without need of sophisticated equipment. Dentists are important in primary and secondary prevention of oral cancer; therefore, assessing their knowledge, opinions and practices is crucial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire survey of dentists was conducted regarding knowledge of risk factors and diagnostic concepts of oral cancer, practices of primary and secondary prevention, and opinions of the effectiveness of formal undergraduate training for early detection and prevention of this disease. The survey explored dentists' potential training needs. RESULTS: Dentists appear to be generally knowledgeable regarding diagnostic concepts and risk factors. A total of 89% reported providing screening of intra- and extra-oral soft tissue to adult patients (18+) to exclude oral cancer. A total of 27% always provide tobacco use cessation counselling, and 12% provide alcohol moderation/cessation assistance. A total of 54% felt adequately trained to palpate the lymphatic nodes associated with oral cancer. Over half of dentists reported that their knowledge of and training on oral cancer was current; however, 74% reported lack of patient education materials regarding prevention and early detection of oral cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The survey findings suggest that dentists are underutilised in the prevention and early detection of oral cancer, and one of the barriers is lack of training. Dentists' knowledge and skills must be reinforced and systematically updated by continuing professional education. Greater emphasis should be placed on the fact that dentists have a larger role to play in the prevention and detection of this malignancy at its early, curable stages

European white paper: oropharyngeal dysphagia in head and neck cancer

Purpose To develop a European White Paper document on oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in head and neck cancer (HNC). There are wide variations in the management of OD associated with HNC across Europe. Methods Experts in the management of specific aspects of OD in HNC across Europe were delegated by their professional medical and multidisciplinary societies to contribute to this document. Evidence is based on systematic reviews, consensus-based position statements, and expert opinion. Results Twenty-four sections on HNC-specific OD topics. Conclusion This European White Paper summarizes current best practice on management of OD in HNC, providing recommendations to support patients and health professionals. The body of literature and its level of evidence on diagnostics and treatment for OD in HNC remain poor. This is in the context of an expected increase in the prevalence of OD due to HNC in the near future. Contributing factors to increased prevalence include aging of our European population (including HNC patients) and an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) related cancer, despite the introduction of HPV vaccination in various countries. We recommend timely implementation of OD screening in HNC patients while emphasizing the need for robust scientific research on the treatment of OD in HNC. Meanwhile, its management remains a challenge for European professional associations and policymakers

European white paper: oropharyngeal dysphagia in head and neck cancer

Purpose To develop a European White Paper document on oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in head and neck cancer (HNC). There are wide variations in the management of OD associated with HNC across Europe. Methods Experts in the management of specific aspects of OD in HNC across Europe were delegated by their professional medical and multidisciplinary societies to contribute to this document. Evidence is based on systematic reviews, consensus-based position statements, and expert opinion. Results Twenty-four sections on HNC-specific OD topics. Conclusion This European White Paper summarizes current best practice on management of OD in HNC, providing recommendations to support patients and health professionals. The body of literature and its level of evidence on diagnostics and treatment for OD in HNC remain poor. This is in the context of an expected increase in the prevalence of OD due to HNC in the near future. Contributing factors to increased prevalence include aging of our European population (including HNC patients) and an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) related cancer, despite the introduction of HPV vaccination in various countries. We recommend timely implementation of OD screening in HNC patients while emphasizing the need for robust scientific research on the treatment of OD in HNC. Meanwhile, its management remains a challenge for European professional associations and policymakers