Ibero-American Organizations in the Defense of Patients with Head and Neck Cancer: A Scoping Review

After being diagnosed with a malignant neoplasm, in addition to the challenge of receiving the news, the patient may face several types of challenges related to stigma, the treatment itself, as well as physical and mental challenges and possible sequelae of treatment, especially in the case of head and neck cancer (HNC). Support groups formed by patients and their families, and even non-profit organizations (NPOs) play an important role in the lives of patients and their families, acting as a support network during the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of these patients, in addition to contributing to the dissemination of scientific information especially related to treatment. Support and advocacy groups are essential to help patients get through this delicate moment in a more humane way. In this context, identifying NPOs is essential to ensure that patients with HNC, caregivers, health professionals and researchers have this option available.