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One case series describes four years of treatment experience with 160 patients who, prior to treatment, were referred to specialised lymphedema service at the hospital. The treatments consisted largely of exercise therapy, self-administered manual lymph drainage, compression (using soft neck bands and in some cases compression masks), and skin care advice. In a small number of cases one or more (1-6) MLD treatment periods performed by lymphedema therapists were required (14%). A treatment period consisted of seven 30 to 45-minute sessions over a two-week period. In 64% of cases a situation of sufficient decrease of complaints or increase in self-management was reached, whereby continued professional care was no longer required (Jeffs and Huit 2015).\u000DA massive case series of 1202 patients, treated at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, describes the working method and outcomes of CDT in patients with head and neck oedema. All patients received instructions and information on self-administered manual lymph drainage, the use of compression aids (bandages, masks), skin care and exercise therapy. One part of the patients (12%) received MLD from a lymphedema therapist, in case of severe lymphedema or limited self-management abilities. Treatment in these cases consisted of 2-5 sessions per week for 2 to 4 weeks, plus a daily home-based exercise regimen for the duration of three months. Treatment outcomes were evaluated in a subgroup of 733 patients, for whom follow-up data were available. In 60% of patients an improvement in lymphedema could be achieved, defined as one step down on the MD Anderson lymphedema scale, or a >2% reduction in the composite score of surface measurements. Predictors for success were therapy adherence and referral to treatment between five weeks and six months after treatment (Smith and Lewin 2010, Smith, Hutcheson et al. 2015).\u000D5.6 Occupational therapy\u000DThe research field of occupational therapy after (head and neck) cancer is still in its infancy. Hardly any scientific literature is available on problems and interventions specific to the head and neck cancer population. In the sections below, some general issues will be discussed that play an important role in occupational therapy rehabilitation and, where possible, these will be applied to the (head and neck) cancer population.\u000D5.6.1 Treatment and effects of cancer on daily functioning\u000D5.6.1.1 Incidence\u000DEach year, about 30,000 members of the labour force are diagnosed with cancer (IKNL 2009). Prevalence is much higher: within the working population 1 in 79 men are living with the diagnosis of cancer or the effects of cancer treatment (1.3%). For women the figure has gone up to 1 in every 38 (2.6%) (IKNL 2009). Despite the increasing overall survival of oncological treatments, this has not translated into a proportionate increase in social functioning, such as increased reintegration into society by participation in the labour market (Van Zanten-Przybysz, De Boer et al. 2008). After an 18- month follow-up of patients treated with a curative intent in the Netherlands only 64% of these patients were found to have (in some cases partially) returned to work, often stating fatigue as a barrier to resuming work duties (IKNL 2011). Further negative influences on returning to work are cognitive limitations, problems with acceptance and dealing with changes as a result of the cancer, physical limitations and anxiety factors (Duijts, van Egmond et al. 2014). Failure in returning to work and dependence on social benefits have a negative impact on cancer patients\u2019 quality of life. They miss out on social interaction, lack a sense of meaning in their lives and are faced with negative financial consequences due to their disease (IKNL 2009).\u000D129\u000D