Oral Health and Survivorship: Late Effects of Cancer and Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Oral complications of cancer and cancer therapy during and following therapy affect oral function, quality of life (QOL), and general health. Prevention and management is required throughout the course of the disease from diagnosis to survivorship. While the impact of acute oral complications in cancer patients is generally recognized, the potential negative impact of late oral health problems on symptom burden, oral function, and overall health is underappreciated. As survivorship increases, there has been increased interest in late treatment effects. This chapter reviews late effects of cancer therapy with a focus on head and neck cancer patients and stem cell transplantation.