In Australia nearly 5,000 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.
The most common causes of head and neck cancer are smoking and alcohol, which affects areas like the mouth, throat and voice box. The human papilloma virus is the most common cause of oropharyngeal cancer - tonsil and base of tongue - which is rapidly increasing in incidence. 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 improve the quality of life of everyone affected by head and neck cancer through education and access to support and to raise awareness of head and neck cancer nationally.
How Head and Neck Cancer Australia can help
Head and Neck Cancer Australia was established to provide comprehensive, easy to understand and easy to access information to everyone, regardless of where they live.
They support patients and their families through their cancer journey, from diagnosis to treatment and life after cancer.
Information / help lines
- Call 1300 424 848 Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm AEST
- Email: contact@headandneckcancer.org.au
