The levels of support and treatment choice offered to patients with head and neck cancer varies across England and Wales, new research shows.
The National Head and Neck Cancer Audit 2012 looked at the treatment of almost 7,000 patients who were diagnosed between November 1st 2010 and October 31st 2011.
Researchers found that the provision of nurse support ranged from 97 per cent of patients in some areas to just two per cent in others.
The percentage of patients receiving dietetic support varied from zero to 72 per cent depending on the area, while the provision of speech and swallowing support ranged from zero to 65 per cent.
In addition, the audit revealed that in some areas of the country, patients with early larynx cancer are only offered radiotherapy, despite the fact they should be able to choose between this treatment and laser surgery.
Richard Wight, national clinical lead for head and neck cancers, expressed his hope that the findings would lead to improvements in the care offered to patients.
He said: 'Every form of cancer is of course significant, but head and neck cancers are perhaps some of the lowest in profile when it comes to awareness on the public's radar.
'Its treatments can be complex and significant support is needed to reap the benefits of treatment.'
Head and neck cancer is an umbrella term for a number of different forms of disease, including cancers of the eye, nasal cavity, sinuses, mouth, voice box and oesophagus.