The Head & Neck Cancer foundation
We are a charity devoted to driving awareness for, and the adoption of, groundbreaking head and neck cancer treatment. Our work aims to minimise the magnitude of surgery and limit the resulting aesthetical impacts, on head and neck cancer patients.
Treatment for head and neck cancers is still largely based on invasive surgery. What makes head and neck cancers different are the facial scars and life-changing impact surgery can have on the vital functions of breathing, swallowing and speech. Current standard surgical procedures also impact the senses of sight, hearing, taste and smell.
Our mission
We are working hard to build awareness of head and neck cancers among the public. Many cases can be caught early if people know what symptoms or signs to look for. We want everyone in the UK to know how to check themselves and know what a normal mouth looks like. Then they can quickly recognise anything that is abnormal and know what to do next.
In addition to this, we are funding the research, technology and training needed for a number of innovative and minimally invasive head and neck cancer treatments - reducing the impact of surgery on sufferers and enabling them to get back to a normal life with minimal impact. We are striving to minimise the impact of head and neck cancer surgery so that patients can maintain a high quality of life post-treatment.
Objectives
Technology
In addition to training surgical teams in Sentinel Node Biopsy we also fund the rollout of, and research into a number of innovative new treatments that utilise new technologies leading to less invasive surgeries.
Awareness
Our ongoing awareness campaign shows you just how to check your mouth and what changes you should look for. Millions of people have watched and shared our video. Watch it here and share it - you could save a life.
Training
We deliver training to cancer teams across the UK and globally, educating them on new techniques and technologies. We have trained and are beginning to offer more training on innovative new treatments.
Leadership Team
Professor Mark McGurk
Co-Founder and Trustee
Michelle Vickers
Chief Executive Officer
Sir Frederick Hervey-Bathurst
Co-Founder and Chairman
How are we funded?
We receive absolutely no statutory funding and so rely completely on fundraising to continue the work we do. Please consider supporting our work - raising awareness, providing training and developing new technologies.
Your support will really help us increase knowledge about the treatment of head and neck cancers, and fund the training of innovative new treatments so that more and more patients can benefit.
Head and neck cancers can affect us all.
