In Australia over 5,100 people are diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer each year and more than 17,000 people are living with the side effects of treatment.
Head and Neck Cancer is incredibly complex and diverse. It includes more than 10 different cancers that can affect a person’s mouth, tongue, salivary glands, skin or voice box. Each type comes with its own causes, symptoms, characteristics, complexities and treatment options.
In the past the most common causes of Head and Neck Cancer were smoking and alcohol, which affects areas like the mouth, throat and voice box.
However, today in Australia, 70% of tonsil and base of tongue cancers are caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) – the same virus that causes cervical cancer. These cancers are increasingly seen in people aged in their 40s to 50s who are otherwise healthy. There has also been an alarming increase in tongue cancers in otherwise healthy, young women. Skin cancers on the face are mainly due to sun exposure and may extend to the eyes, ears, nose and salivary glands. For many other head and neck cancers, such as thyroid cancer, the cause is unknown.
Vision and mission
To save lives and ensure no-one faces Head and Neck Cancer alone.
Head and Neck Cancer Australia are dedicated to raising awareness of Head and Neck Cancer and improving the outcomes of those affected, through education, information, support and advocacy.
How Head and Neck Cancer Australia can help
Head and Neck Cancer Australia provides comprehensive and easy to understand information, education and support to help people navigate their cancer journey and have the best quality of life possible before, during and after treatment.
They also lead the national effort to raise awareness of Head and Neck Cancer among all Australians and healthcare professionals to increase early diagnosis and encourage prevention.
Information / help lines
- Call 1300 424 848 Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm AEST
- Email: contact@headandneckcancer.org.au
