Mask‐related anxiety and distress during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer

Abstract

Some patients experience mask‐related anxiety and distress when undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Building on the paper by Forbes et al (https://doi.org/10.1002/jmrs.658) this editorial discusses techniques to implement to improve the patient experience through education and support.

Supporting paediatric patients to receive radiation therapy without sedation or general anaesthetic

“… 19 , 20 , 21 Reducing patient anxiety around immobilisation or safety masks has been identified as an issue that also needs to be addressed in adults. 22 Despite the attempts of individual health professionals and teams to support paediatric patients and their families, the adult medical system is not conducive to child‐centric care, and each setting needs to continually work towards ensuring paediatric patients' needs are met and support is available.…”