A survey of consultants treating upper aerodigestive tract cancer in the UK.

A study was undertaken to determine the current service provision for the treatment of upper aerodigestive tract (UAT) cancers in the UK. A postal questionnaire was sent to all consultant members of relevant specialist societies, with 1041 (74%) responding. Treatment of UAT cancer is widely dispersed with over 900 consultants from five major disciplines treating, on average, less than 10 cases per year. There were few regional or provider differences in the facilities and services available and in processes used for assessing patients. There is little systematic collection of data for audit or research and some consultants do not record stage. The involvement of other disciplines in the assessment process, use of joint clinics, counselling, specialist nursing and therapy services appears to be low. There is a need for rationalisation of head and neck cancer services; for more systematic collection of data for audit and research and for improvements in the use of joint clinics and support services.