Survey Study Highlights Significant Financial Burden for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Facing Dental Complications

USA: A survey study published in JAMA Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery revealed that the majority of patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer required extensive dental care during their cancer treatment. This dental care imposed a financial burden on 39% of the patients, creating a significant barrier to receiving necessary care.

Patients receiving treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) often face oral complications that necessitate significant dental care. However, this dental treatment is frequently not covered by medical insurance, resulting in a potential financial burden for these patients.

Betty Ben Dor, Department of Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity at Harvard School of Dental Medicine Massachusetts et. al. discovered the financial burden of dental care among patients with head and neck cancer. The research aimed to characterize the dental care needs and the associated cost burden for these patients.

This survey study included members of the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance who were surveyed from March 23 to October 27, 2023, using the Qualtrics platform. The survey was promoted through the HNCA’s social media channels and email list. Data analysis took place between October 2023 and May 2024.

The following were key findings of the research:

• Out of 100 individuals surveyed, 85 completed all required questions and were included in the analysis.
• Of the 84 participants with age and sex data, 61% were aged 65 years or older, and 54% were female.
• 70% of the 85 respondents reported that their current oral health was worse than before cancer treatment.
• 86% of respondents experienced oral complications from cancer treatment, such as xerostomia (90%), caries (48%), and oral mucositis (40%).
• 88% of respondents required follow-up dental treatment.
• 14% of individuals before HNC treatment and 32% after treatment cited financial reasons for not receiving all recommended dental care.
• 39% of respondents reported that their post-cancer dental care caused them financial hardship.
• Individuals less likely to report financial hardship tended to have higher educational attainment, higher income, more frequent dental visits before HNC, same or better oral health after HNC, and lower out-of-pocket dental expenses after HNC.

The survey study concluded that most patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) required extensive dental care during their cancer treatment, which posed a financial burden for 39% of these patients, acting as a significant barrier to receiving necessary care. Given that most private medical insurers do not cover dental treatment, there is a need for more comprehensive insurance coverage, warranting policy attention.

Reference 

Ben Dor B, Villa A, Hayes C, Alpert E, Shepard DS, Sonis ST. Financial Burden of Dental Care Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024 Aug 1:e242260. doi: 10.1001/jamaoto.2024.2260. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 39088224; PMCID: PMC11295059.