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Head and Neck Cancer: A Multidisciplinary Approach


April 18, 2025
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April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to drive awareness, promote prevention, and improve outcomes for the more than 71,000 individuals diagnosed annually in the US. These cancers represent 4% of all cases nationwide, yet many remain unaware of the risk factors, warning signs, and the importance of early intervention. 

This month serves as a powerful reminder for clinicians, researchers, and health care leaders to actively engage in education efforts, champion screening initiatives, and address persistent disparities in access to head and neck cancer care. If detected early, approximately 80% of those diagnosed can survive. Timely diagnosis and treatment are key to improving survival rates and quality of life, as well as a multidisciplinary approach that integrates surgical oncology, radiation therapy, medical oncology, speech and swallowing specialists, and supportive care teams. This month serves as a catalyst for action to prioritize collaborative care, elevate public and professional awareness, and ensure every patient receives equitable access to the latest advancements in head and neck cancer treatment. 

The Role of Social Drivers of Health in Head and Neck Cancer  

Understanding the risk factors and symptoms associated with head and neck cancer is vital to early detection. Head and neck cancer can develop in the oral cavity, throat, voice box, salivary glands, lymph nodes, or nasal passages, with the following symptoms often present:  

  • Persistent sore throat or hoarseness  
  • Difficulty swallowing  
  • Lumps in the neck  
  • Non-healing mouth sores.  

Screening for social drivers of health, also called social determinants of health (SDOH), is an important part of early detection. Several SDOH factors can contribute to an increased risk of developing head and neck cancers, including tobacco and alcohol use, occupational exposure to toxic substances, and infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV). Educating patient populations about SDOH and offering resources to mitigate these factors, such as smoking and alcohol cessation, workplace safety guidelines, and HPV vaccination, can significantly reduce the risk of developing these cancers. 

Barriers to Timely and Coordinated Care  

Patients with head and neck cancer face multiple systemic and logistical barriers to timely and effective screenings or treatment, including limited access to specialists, particularly in rural areas, insufficient insurance coverage, and a lack of dedicated care coordination. Delays in diagnosis are often driven by a shortage of local ear, nose and throat physicians, low health literacy, and financial barriers such as inadequate dental insurance. Lack of coordinated care, especially in low-volume or rural treatment centers, can result in inconsistent communication between providers and patients, undermining coordinated treatment planning and shared decision-making. Additionally, many centers lack specialized nurse navigators, exacerbating logistical and psychosocial challenges for patients throughout the care continuum. 

What is ACCC Doing? 

Evidence-based solutions identified through an ACCC-led initiative in partnership with the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance focus on expanding access and enhancing care delivery through multidisciplinary coordination. Integrating nurse navigators or training community health workers to assist with referrals, transportation, and scheduling can help bridge gaps in care, particularly in underserved areas. Multidisciplinary team models facilitate streamlined communication and collaborative decision-making among surgeons, oncologists, speech therapists, dietitians, and mental health professionals. These teams are also better equipped to deliver comprehensive supportive care services addressing nutritional needs, psychosocial distress, and functional impairments like speech and swallowing issues, which are prevalent among this patient population.  

Advancing Awareness and Care  

To mitigate disparities and financial toxicity, cancer programs should implement systemic strategies including the adoption of mobile clinics and telehealth, expanded financial assistance programs, and advocacy for improved health and dental insurance coverage. Prioritizing the integration of survivorship care, mental health support, and caregiver resources further strengthens outcomes. Efforts to diversify the health care workforce and enhance provider education on early detection, risk factor reduction, and culturally competent care can also improve trust and communication. Collectively, these evidence-based interventions aim to create a more equitable and effective care environment for patients with head and neck cancer.  

Awareness and early detection save lives. A continued commitment to research and community engagement is vital to furthering progress in the prevention and treatment of head and neck cancers. By fostering education, advocacy, and multidisciplinary collaboration, cancer programs can improve outcomes and provide equitable access to care for all patients. Ultimately, prioritizing comprehensive and patient-centered care can enhance survival rates, improve quality of life, and work toward a future with fewer cases of head and neck cancer.  

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