Possible solutions to be explored
There are possible solutions to the problems faced by HNC survivors and their caregivers, and these may be disproportionately effective in rural areas. Telemedicine is a scalable technology developed in large part to meet the needs of rural providers. Telemedicine availability has been expanded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) during this pandemic to allow patients to access the health care system, even if they are not able to physically go to physician offices.7 This could be applied to many of the possible risk described by allowing for continuing clinical care (to a certain extent) and incorporating aspects of mental health and wellness. Other solutions include the allocation of funding specific to survivors and caregivers. As many of these individuals have a low or non-existent income, the stimulus package approved by the US congress may not be sufficient to offset increased costs and lost wages.
While patients with COVID-19 and other urgent and emergent conditions take priority during the current pandemic, it remains important to remember the care of head and neck cancer survivors, a vulnerable group. Vigilance on our part could mitigate the effects of the pandemic on their health and wellbeing. These patients will require extra care when resources become available to care for their elective needs. Future preparedness could help mitigate effects during future widespread events that limit care.