Best practice guidelines in the psychosocial management of HPV-related head and neck cancer: recommendations from the European Head and Neck Cancer Society's Make Sense Campaign

Abstract

Over the past three decades, oral human papillomavirus (HPV) has been associated with an increase in the incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) in several countries. Specialist oncologists in head and neck cancer are observing a wider range of demographics, sexual behaviours, and survival outcomes with their patients. Additionally, there are fewer smokers, consumers of alcohol, or people of lower socioeconomic status than in previous decades. In order to support patients, the European Head and Neck Society's Make Sense Campaign aims to promote best practice in the management of head and neck cancer through the delivery of counselling, psychological assessment, support with the patient experience following HPV-related cancer diagnosis, sexual impact (in terms of communication, behaviour and prevention), facilitating access to educational resources about HPV in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and OPSCC, and early referral if necessary. New concerns about psychosocial distress and unmet psychosocial needs following diagnosis, therefore, exist throughout the disease and treatment periods. Oncologists treating patients with HPV-related head and neck cancer must integrate new parameters focused on infection risk transmission and sexual topics. The development and dissemination of best practice guidelines through The European Head and Neck Cancer Society Make Sense Campaign will help healthcare professionals to be more confident and resourceful in supporting patients with HPV-related head and neck cancer.

Psychosocial impact of human papillomavirus-related head and neck cancer on patients and their partners: A qualitative interview study

“…The cervical cancer literature has demonstrated that a HPV diagnosis has the potential to cause feelings of stigma and shame in addition to the anxiety and health concerns usually associated with abnormal cervical screening results (McCaffery, Waller, Nazroo, & Wardle, ). Sexual relationships may be affected due to concern over the sexual transmission of HPV (Taberna, Inglehart, Pickard, Fakhry, & Agrawal, ) and clinicians should be prepared to potentially talk about these concerns (Reich et al, ).…”

Clinicians' Views of Patient-initiated Follow-up in Head and Neck Cancer: a Qualitative Study to Inform the PETNECK2 Trial

“…Fear of recurrence is prevalent in HNC [61] and it concerns clinicians [7] and can influence follow-up preferences [16]. However, despite regular follow-up being reassuring [4], it inadequately addresses patients' holistic psychosocial needs [5e7], including in HPV-related HNC despite lower risks [62]. PIFU may better address these needs [19] and [patient education sessions] to reflect and debrief and move forward with their lives after their treatment, and that's been a full day of hospital site where there's been a lot of supportive interaction.…”

Sexual Behaviour and Human Papillomavirus-Positive Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Cancer: An Irish Perspective

“…When a clinician delivers a cancer diagnosis, it creates distress and anxiety for the patient, which may then be amplified by guilt and self-blame when the malignancy is linked to a sexually transmitted disease [ 25 ]. Reich et al emphasized the importance of minimizing self-blame by ensuring the patient understands that HPV-16 can be shared amongst long-term partners, without the occurrence of infidelity, despite its link to increased lifetime of sexual partners and unprotected sexual intercourse [ 26 ]. It is common for patients to have concerns regarding the likelihood of their partner developing an HPV-related cancer.…”