Abstract:
Cancers of the head and neck region often leave patients
with conspicuous defects, as well as limitations in physical
and psycho-social functions. Rehabilitation is challenging
and can never fully restore the anatomical, physiological, or
functional characteristics that have been lost.
Ideally newly diagnosed cancer patients should be managed
by a multidisciplinary team of specialists from various
allied fields who will be able to educate them and help them
decide on the most appropriate and suitable treatment
options. Patients must understand the processes, be of
possible side effects and comprehend the limitations
aware of rehabilitation. At the same time, clinicians may
need to consider issues of distributive justice when deciding
which patients will receive which resources, especially
in financially limited institutions and countries.
The biggest challenge to us as clinicians as well as community
members is to try and treat all patients holistically
and to address both their physical and psychosocial
needs. This requires a fervent commitment to action, and
that we all stand together and help each other through
difficult times.
