Educating patients about cancer risk factors a never-ending task

As we leave Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we must be sure not to stop educating ourselves and our patients about risk factors, prevention strategies, and early detection. That also means performing an oral cancer exam on patients. Another resource is Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC), a self-help nonprofit organization involved in the development of programs of support.(1) It can have a huge positive impact on meeting the psychosocial needs of patients as well as preserving, restoring and promoting physical and emotional health. The Mission: SPOHNC is dedicated to raising awareness and meeting the needs of oral and head and neck cancer patients.(1)

There is A Guide for Survivors and Caregivers, Second Edition, entitled Meeting the Challenges of Oral and Head and Neck Cancer, A Guide for Survivors and Caregivers. (2) The book expands and updates the first edition and brings five new chapters of valuable information to the reader including a chapter specifically addressing the psychosocial issues of the patient. This book is valuable for survivors, caregivers, and for healthcare professionals involved in the care of oral and head and neck cancer patients.