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Head and Neck Survivorship Care in the Times of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
  • Shaun A. Nguyen, MD, FAPCR
Shaun A. Nguyen, MD, FAPCR
Medical University of South Carolina

Corresponding Author:albell@mdanderson.org

Author Profile

Abstract

With the arrival of the coronavirus disease (SARS-CoV-2) in the U.S., care practice paradigms have drastically changed. Data from China suggests the new virus poses additional risks as case fatality of patients with cancer was higher at 5.6% compared to 2.3% of the general population. There are three proposed major strategies to address care for patients with cancer in this SARS-CoV-2 pandemic with postponing treatment for those with stable cancer, increasing personal protection provisions for cancer patients, and increasing monitoring if a patient becomes infected with SARS-CoV-2.  In this present commentary, we discuss the unique mental health challenges and burdens of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients in the times of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and approaches to mitigate these stressors through telemedicine to reduce future burdens to the patient and the health care system.