Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Face an Increased Risk of Suicide, Require Mental Health Support

Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) have increased rates of suicide compared with patients with other cancers, and they experience barriers to mental health support, according to a study being presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting.

In this study, researchers conducted qualitative interviews with 16 HNC clinicians in a single health care system, including head and neck surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, and nurses/nurse practitioners/physician assistants. The interviews obtained clinicians’ perspectives of the impact of HNC on patients’ mental health, experience with suicide risk assessment, existing protocols, and overall experiences related to managing mental health concerns in patients with HNC. Using this input, the investigators identified common challenges, facilitators, and training needs.

The results showed distinct barriers faced by HNC clinicians. The researchers observed several themes, including the absence of formal suicide and mental health training among HNC clinicians, critical gaps in clinician education, and a lack of established protocols for appraising and managing mental health concerns, particularly those related to suicide risk. The researchers noted that additional barriers included clinicians’ uncertainties in recognizing and addressing suicidal thoughts, limited familiarity with available screening tools, and insufficient resources for patient support. Key solutions that may ameliorate these barriers include longer clinic visit times, mental health discussions during interdisciplinary conferences, and greater accessibility of mental health services for comprehensive patient support.

“Given the suicide burden in HNC, it is important to address these challenges and begin developing initiatives for clinician training and formalized protocols to enhance mental health care for HNC patients,” the researchers concluded.

Reference

Osazuwa-Peters N, Mwobobia J, Fish L. Clinicians’ perspectives of barriers and facilitators of suicide screening in head and neck cancer care. Abstract #e18023. Published for the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting; May 31-June 4, 2024; Chicago, Illinois.