Focusing on Improving Depression in HNC Survivors

Now that patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) — as well as many other cancer types – are living much longer, it is essential that researchers and health care professionals recognize the importance of depression and quality-of-life issues, according to Nosayaba Osazuwa-Peters, BDS, MPH, CHES, Instructor, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Saint Louis University School of Medicine.

Osazuwa-Peters’ recent research shed light on suicide rates in HNC survivors, which he noted were on the rise for all cancer types. Many suicide risk factors, such as depression and pain, are common in survivors, so it is imperative that signs of suicide are recognized in this population so individuals can get the help that they may need.