HPV-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer: The Nurse's Role in Patient Management of Treatment-Related Sequelae.

Background: Patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) make up about 3% of all new cancer cases in the United States, with increasing numbers of these patients being diagnosed aged younger than 45 years and with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive disease. Treatment effects may alter patients' physical and mental states during and after treatment.

Objectives: This article provides an overview of possible OPC treatment long-term effects to equip oncology nurses with information needed to empower patients with OPC to perform self-care.