Only treat throat cancer in specialised hospitals, says KCE
Throat and laryngeal cancers should only be treated in specialist hospitals with a team of specialists such as mouth surgeons, radiotherapists and speech therapists, according to a new report
Complex care
In 2012, 871 people in Belgium were diagnosed with throat and laryngeal cancer, most of them men in their 60s. Smoking and alcohol consumption are the most significant risk factors and also impede the healing process. About half of patients die within five years after the diagnosis.
Currently, all of the about 100 hospitals in Belgium treat throat and laryngeal cancers. The KCE, however, advises that this care should only be provided by reference centres, or hospitals that have the whole range of necessary expertise.
Throat and laryngeal cancers are very complex. The input of various specialists can make a substantial difference for a patient’s quality of life.
“Mouth and jaw surgeons, ear, nose and throat therapists, radiotherapists, oncologists, pathologists and radiologists should be involved,” said KCE project leader Joan Vlayen. “Because of the risks of speech and swallowing problems and facial deformity, speech therapists, dentists, nutrition experts and psychologists should also be involved.”
According to the KCE, the reference centres should also build up a network with peripheral hospitals closer to the homes of patients, where patients can receive less complex care.
Photo: Ingimage
Health-care system
national health-care system is born
percent of salary employees contribute to social security
to 75% of healthcare costs reimbursed by mutuality
- NIHDI
- European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies
- Crossroads Bank for Social Security
