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Head and Neck Cancer Australia

Head and Neck Cancer is the only national charity dedicated to supporting people impacted by Head and Neck Cancer.

In Australia over 5,500 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.

Vision and mission

HANCA's vision is to save lives and ensure no one faces Head and Neck Cancer alone. Our mission is to raise awareness and improve outcomes through education, information, support and advocacy.

They empower patients and carers to navigate their cancer journey, promote prevention and early diagnosis, influence public policy, and work with government to improve care.

How Head and Neck Cancer Australia can help

HANCA provides free support and counselling through the national Head and Neck Cancer Helpline, as well as educational webinars, peer support and an extensive online library of clinician-developed resources.

Multilingual resources are available in Arabic, Cantonese, Greek, Hindi, Italian, Mandarin, Punjabi, Spanish and Vietnamese to help people access information in their preferred language.

They connect patients, families and carers with trusted information and advocate nationally for better care and outcomes.

Information / help lines

Programs, apps and tools

Recommended links

Last reviewed: September 2025

Information from this partner

Found 29 results

Oropharyngeal Cancer - Head and Neck Cancer Australia

Oropharyngeal Cancer includes 'Tonsil Cancer' and 'Base of Tongue Cancer' and is a type of Throat Cancer. Oropharyngeal Cancer is a form of Head and Neck Cancer.

Read more on Head and Neck Cancer Australia website

Types of Head & Neck Cancer | Head and Neck Cancer Australia

There are up to 40 different types and sub-sites of Head and Neck Cancer including in the throat (pharynx, larynx) mouth, salivary glands, tongue, sinus and skin.

Read more on Head and Neck Cancer Australia website

Diet and Nutrition | Head and Neck Cancer Australia

Head and Neck Cancer can make it hard to eat and drink, cause pain and difficulty swallowing. Radiation therapy may make your mouth dry or change the way food tastes.

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Thyroid Cancer - Head and Neck Cancer Australia

Thyroid Cancer is a type of Head and Neck Cancer that affects the thyroid organ (gland) in the neck. There are four main types: Papillary, Follicular, Anaplastic and Medullary. Thyroid disease

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Laryngeal Cancer - Head and Neck Cancer Australia

Laryngeal Cancer, also known as 'Voice Box Cancer', is a type of Throat Cancer. Laryngeal Cancer is a Head and Neck Cancer.

Read more on Head and Neck Cancer Australia website

Nutrition Videos | Head and Neck Cancer Australia

Head and Neck Cancer nutrition videos covering some of the most frequently asked questions about diet and nutrition and Head and Neck Cancer before, during and after treatment.

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Salivary Gland Cancer - Head and Neck Cancer Australia

Most Salivary Gland Cancers are found in the parotid glands that contain glands of the immune system (lymph nodes). Salivary Gland Cancer is a form of Head and Neck Cancer.

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Emotional wellbeing | Head and Neck Cancer Australia

Not all side effects of Head and Neck Cancer treatment are physical. You may also have a number of different emotions during and after your treatment. Mental and emotional strain is common.

Read more on Head and Neck Cancer Australia website

Hypopharyngeal Cancer - Head and Neck Cancer Australia

Hypopharyngeal Cancer is a type of 'Throat Cancer' that affects the hypopharynx, which is in the lower part of the neck. It is a type of Head and Neck Cancer.

Read more on Head and Neck Cancer Australia website

Resources | Head and Neck Cancer Australia

The Head and Neck Cancer Australia website includes a comprehensive library of information sheets, animations, videos and podcasts developed and regularly updated by leading Head and Neck Cancer clinicians across Australia and New Zealand with the input of patients and carers.

Read more on Head and Neck Cancer Australia website

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