This two part issue of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America is devoted to The Head and Neck Cancer Patient. Part I focuses on Perioperative Care and Assessment, and is edited by Drs. Zvonimir Milas and Thomas D. Schellenberger. Articles will include: Epidemiology and demographics of the head and neck cancer population; Speech pathology for the head and neck cancer patient: Speech and swallowing; Nutrition for the head and neck cancer patient; Assessment of the head and neck patient: Imaging and staging; Multidisciplinary tumor board, composition and function; Pre-and postoperative dental assessment and management of the head and neck cancer patient; Head and neck cancer research and support foundations; Physical and occupational therapy; Maxillofacial prosthetics; Psychosocial effects of head and neck cancer; and more!