Purpose of reviewTo summarize recent advances in the psycho-oncology literature, with a focus on findings relevant to the head and neck cancer patient. Recent findingsPatients with cancer are at an increased risk of suicide and self-harm. Head and neck cancer patients are among the highest risk compared with other cancer patients. Unique challenges pertaining to disfigurement and voicelessness may, in part, explain these observations. Patient-reported outcome measures can be used to help identify high-risk patients.