The Patient Experience

The Swallows and the Mouth Cancer Foundation, with the support of Bristol-Myers Squibb, have published a survey of the experiences of 118 recent head and neck cancer patients in their cancer journey.

The results can be downloaded  HERE

Though the sample size is small, the survey adds much to our existing knowledge from other sources such as the National Cancer Patient Experience Surveys.

For me two statistics stood out, highlighting what should be priority areas for improvement in the future. One was the very low % of patients who were offered psychological support (46%) and the other was the need to increase support for carers (only 7%). For a laryngectomee, the carer has an important role post-surgery in stoma care and speech valve maintenance.