Individualized Follow-Up for Head and Neck Cancer

This pilot study evaluates offering Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients a choice between standardized and individualized follow-up after HNC treatment. Following treatment, the patient will be educated about self-examination of the head and neck and which physical symptoms require a follow-up visit. After completing 1.5 years of uncomplicated guideline-prescribed follow-up, patients will be offered the option to switch to individualized follow-up through a tailored decision aid. Standardized follow-up entails continuing the guideline-prescribed follow-up schedule until five years after treatment. Individualized follow-up consists of follow-up visits based on symptoms and other needs at the patient's initiative. We hypothesize that giving patients the choice between standardized and individualized follow-up is feasible and saves costs while maintaining quality of life.