Objectives: 

• Recognize the importance of the IO/EO head & neck/oral/oropharyngeal examination and risk assessment before and after cancer.
• Understand what a head and neck/oral/oropharyngeal cancer patient and survivor experiences, beyond xeristomia, mucositis, and caries.
• Identify the need for differences in treatment of survivors.
• Apply ways to create an intercollaborative relationship with the oncology team.
• Formulate a current list of useful products for the patient.

Radiation and chemotherapy will most likely have long term oral and systemic complications. Early detection of cancer can lesson these effects. In this course, Susan and Kris will present a deeper view of a patient's experience with head and neck/oral/oropharyngeal cancer with a panel of survivors that have different etiologies and stories to share. The panel will share what their life is like post cancer, the struggles and changes to everyday living and ongoing medical issues with which they struggle. Susan and Kris will discuss the importance of a thorough head and neck/oral/oropharyngeal cancer screening and risk assessment. How screening, assessment, and hygiene treatment may vary with these patients post cancer, and the side effects of this cancer we may not be as familiar with. They will also discuss the value of referrals, building an intercollaborative relationship with the oncology team and review currently available products for the oral side effects of treatment.