Health Care Utilisation and Unmet Needs in Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer in Regional Australia: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: The post-treatment survivorship period marks the transition away from acute care and poses distinct challenges for individuals with head and neck cancer (HNC). This can be especially challenging for people in regional areas who travel long distances to access care and experience unique challenges in accessing health services.

Aim: To investigate unmet needs and healthcare utilisation of survivors of HNC in regional areas.

Quality of life outcomes in patients receiving dental implants in vascularised bone flaps for mandibular reconstruction.

Resection, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the mandible impact function and health related quality of life (HRQOL). In this study, we aimed to understand the impact of delayed versus immediate dental implant placement. A cross-sectional and prospective study was conducted including patients who underwent reconstruction of the mandible via osseous vascularised bone flaps and dental implants.

Global Disparities of Cancer and Its Projected Burden in 2050.

Importance: Cancer prevention and care efforts have been challenged by the COVID-19 pandemic and armed conflicts, resulting in a decline in the global Human Development Index (HDI), particularly in low- and middle-income countries. These challenges and subsequent shifts in health care priorities underscore the need to continuously monitor cancer outcome disparities and statistics globally to ensure delivery of equitable and optimal cancer prevention and care in uncertain times.

Objective: To measure the global burden of 36 cancers in 2022 by sex, age, and geographic location and to project future trends by 2050.

Exploring Trismus Management in Australia: A Mixed Methods Evaluation of Surveys and Interviews With Health Professionals.

Objective: This study evaluates how health care professionals manage trismus in Australia and identifies facilitators and barriers experienced by clinicians in routine patient care.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate the experience of clinicians. Medical, nursing, and allied health practitioners in Australia were invited to participate if they had treated patients with trismus in the last 5 years.

Survivorship Needs in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer in Regional, Rural and Remote Areas: A Systematic Review.

Objective: Understanding survivorship issues among people with head and neck cancer (HNC) is important as survival rates increase. Most research has focused on urban patients, leaving a gap in understanding the challenges faced by those in rural areas. This study aims to summarise the literature on survivorship needs for people with HNC in rural areas.

A qualitative exploration of the pathway to diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with perineural spread.

Background: Perineural spread (PNS) is associated with a poor prognosis in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (cSCCHN). Hence, investigating facilitators and barriers of early diagnosis and treatment of PNS in cSCCHN may improve outcomes.

Methods: Patients were recruited from an institutional database.

Burden of 30 cancers among men: Global statistics in 2022 and projections for 2050 using population-based estimates.

Background: Men exhibit higher prevalence of modifiable risk factors, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, leading to greater cancer incidence and lower survival rates. Comprehensive evidence on global cancer burden among men, including disparities by age group and country, is sparse. To address this, the authors analyzed 30 cancer types among men in 2022, with projections estimated for 2050.

Models of survivorship care in patients with head and neck cancer in regional, rural, and remote areas: a systematic review.

Purpose: Rural people with head and neck cancers (HNC) are likely to experience poorer health outcomes due to limited access to health services, so many benefit from models of care that account for rurality. The aim of this review was to synthesise literature on models of care in this population.

Methods: Studies were identified using seven databases: PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, Medline, and Web of Science.

This year sees an opportunity for long-needed oral health reforms. Cancer patients, in particular, stand to benefit.

The long-standing divide in Australia between medicine and dentistry has left many with inequitable access to dental care. People with oral cancer, in particular, may have few options for dental rehabilitation after cancer treatment, even with private health insurance. However, 2024 could finally see health care reforms that address these inequities, with significant momentum building in Australia.

Associations between patient-level health literacy and diagnostic time intervals for head and neck cancer: A prospective cohort study.

Background: Health literacy (HL) comprises skills and knowledge required to understand, access, and make decisions about healthcare. Our aim was to examine associations between patient HL and time intervals (defined in the Aarhus statement) along the pathway to treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from October 2018 to March 2020.

How age affects health-related-quality-of-life outcomes in maxillomandibular reconstructive surgery.

Introduction: Maxillomandibular reconstruction has various functional, aesthetic, and psychosocial effects that can decrease patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim of this study was to compare HRQOL outcomes in older and younger patients undergoing maxillomandibular reconstruction.

Methods: A cross-sectional study of patients undergoing maxillomandibular reconstruction surgery between November 2008 and January 2021 was conducted.

A 10-year update to the principles for clinical trial data sharing by pharmaceutical companies: perspectives based on a decade of literature and policies.

Data sharing is essential for promoting scientific discoveries and informed decision-making in clinical practice. In 2013, PhRMA/EFPIA recognised the importance of data sharing and supported initiatives to enhance clinical trial data transparency and promote scientific advancements. However, despite these commitments, recent investigations indicate significant scope for improvements in data sharing by the pharmaceutical industry.

Patient-reported experiences and satisfaction with head and neck surgery outreach clinics in regional New South Wales, Australia: A cross-sectional survey.

Rationale: Head and neck surgery services are increasingly being centralised in Australia. Outreach models can overcome burdens of travel that patients in regional and rural areas experience when attending routine appointments, by providing services closer to home.

Aim: To explore patient-reported experiences and satisfaction with regional outreach services for head and neck surgery in Australia.

Treatment approaches and outcomes of a head and neck lymphedema service at an Australian comprehensive cancer center.

Background: Patients treated for head and neck cancer are at high risk of developing head and neck lymphedema (HNL). We describe outcomes of HNL management at an Australian institution from 2018 to 2020.

Methods: Electronic records from Chris O'Brien Lifehouse were retrospectively reviewed from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2020.

Construct and discriminant validity testing of the FACE-Q Head and Neck Cancer Module for assessing speech and swallowing outcomes for patients undergoing maxillectomy or mandibulectomy.

Background: The FACE-Q H&N is a patient reported outcome measure covering multiple constructs for patients with head and neck tumors. Additional testing is needed to determine suitability in assessing speech- and swallowing-related quality of life and function.

Methods: FACE-Q H&N, The M.

In person and virtual process mapping experiences to capture and explore variability in clinical practice: application to genetic referral pathways across seven Australian hospital networks.

Genetic referral for Lynch syndrome (LS) exemplifies complex clinical pathways. Identifying target behaviours (TBs) for change and associated barriers requires structured group consultation activities with busy clinicians - consolidating implementation activities whilst retaining rigour is crucial. This study aimed to: i) use process mapping to gain in-depth understandings of site-specific LS testing and referral practices in Australian hospitals and support identification of TBs for change, ii) explore if barriers to identified TBs could be identified through process mapping focus-group data, and iii) demonstrate pandemic-induced transition from in-person to virtual group interactive process mapping methods.

Interventions to reduce times to diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

Background: We systematically reviewed evidence of health system interventions to reduce diagnostic and treatment intervals for people with head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods: Electronic databases were searched from inception to 30 April 2020 for controlled or uncontrolled comparative studies. Primary outcome was any time interval between first clinical presentation and treatment onset.

Virtual reality digital surgical planning for jaw reconstruction: a usability study.

Background: Digital surgical planning (DSP) has revolutionized the preparation and execution of the management of complex head and neck pathologies. The addition of virtual reality (VR) allows the surgeon to have a three-dimensional experience with six degrees of freedom for visualizing and manipulating objects. This pilot study describes the participants experience with the first head and neck reconstructive VR-DSP platform.

Effect of Radiotherapy on Functional and Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes after Jaw Reconstruction.

Long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and functional outcomes following mandibular and maxillary reconstruction are lacking. To determine these outcomes, a cross-sectional study of patients with a history of cancer who underwent jaw reconstruction was undertaken. Participants were identified from a database of jaw reconstruction procedures at the Chris O'Brien Lifehouse (Sydney, Australia).

Impact of targeted wording on response rates to a survey of general practitioners on referral processes for suspected head and neck cancer: an embedded randomised controlled trial.

Introduction Low response rates to surveys can lead to non-response bias, limiting generalisability of findings. When survey topics pertain to uncommon conditions, the decision of general practitioners (GPs) to complete a questionnaire may be swayed by the perceived relevance of the questionnaire content to their practice. Aim To explore whether targeted wording of a questionnaire for GPs about head and neck cancer referral patterns affects response rates.

A qualitative exploration of the facilitators and barriers to early diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer: Perceptions of patients and carers.

Objective: The objective of this study to explore experiences of patients and carers of the pathway to diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC), focusing on differences based on remoteness of residence.

Methods: Patients ≥6 months post-treatment completion, and their carers, were recruited. Semi-structured interviews, guided by the Model of Pathways to Treatment as the theoretical framework, were conducted to examine pathways to treatment of HNC and facilitators and barriers to early diagnosis and treatment.

Interventions for head and neck cancer survivors: Systematic review.

Background: Interventions for head/neck cancer (HNC) survivors may not address their cancer-related and general health needs.

Methods: Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guided this systematic review of studies from 2000 to 2021 of interventions targeting cancer survivors treated with curative-intent, using MEDLINE, Embase, Emcare, and PsycINFO. Interventions were categorized into domains of the Quality of Cancer Survivorship Care Framework to characterize the scope and quality of interventions.

Lynch syndrome testing of colorectal cancer patients in a high-income country with universal healthcare: a retrospective study of current practice and gaps in seven australian hospitals.

Background: To inform effective genomic medicine strategies, it is important to examine current approaches and gaps in well-established applications. Lynch syndrome (LS) causes 3-5% of colorectal cancers (CRCs). While guidelines commonly recommend LS tumour testing of all CRC patients, implementation in health systems is known to be highly variable.