The Patient Voice Aotearoa chairperson says better medication funding is desperately needed

Deputy Prime Minister Admits Pharmac Needs More Money

Patient Voice Aotearoa welcomes the comments made by the Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters on ‘The Project’ on Friday last week. Peters stated “Right now…we know we are not spending nearly enough on pharmaceuticals and first world drugs…the reality is that Pharmac’s budget is not big enough and we have to face that as a country and make some accommodations to give people…

New developments in the treating of head and neck cancer, and diagnosing thyroid cancer. 

Emerging thyroid cancer test may prevent unnecessary surgeries…

Seniors Need Vaccinations Too

Adults should be vaccinated against cancer-causing human papillomavirus (HPV) to save ‘thousands’ more lives, said a UK expert.

According to a dailymail.com article on September 28,…

Wake-up call for cancer agency boss Diana Sarfati

OPINION: Statements…

Our weekly round up of Head and Neck cancer news from New Zealand and around the world. This week an apology to a head and necker who suffered brain damage, the future of robotic surgery, and we can learn from breast cancer about the value of survivorship plans and nurse navigators. 

DHB 'looking to make changes' after man left brain damaged, patient's wife…

Each week we share Head and Neck Cancer News from around the world....

Machine learning improves the diagnosis of patients with head and neck cancers

Researchers have successfully solved a longstanding problem in the diagnosis of head and neck cancers. The researchers used artificial…

Cancer action 10-year plan should only be a 'start'

Paul Ryder considers himself lucky to be alive.…

Head and Neck Cancer Network Launches Petition

The Head and Neck Cancer Network have added their voice to the other cancer organisation calling for Pharmac to fund cancer drug Keytruda. MedSafe approved the drug for use in head and neck cancer after chemotherapy. However, Network Chair Diana Ayling…

This week we share the news of 12 new cancer-fighting radiation machines, more funding for immunotherapy research, interesting news about the HPV vaccine, and finally, Judy Kirchmeirer tells her story of 10 years of cancer. 

Government's cancer response: PM Jacinda Ardern unveils 12 new cancer-fighting radiation machines…

HPV infection on Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Day

From Radio New Zealand...."World Head and Neck Cancer Day is tomorrow and this year there's a push to highlight the correlation between these cancers and the HPV virus. 

These cancers are…

This week it was hard to find any head and neck cancer news at all! Maybe everyone is enjoying the break. We did find some interesting research into why not many Kiwis participate in clinical trials, a really interesting range of services at the Mayo Clinic, and a new head and neck cancer vaccine goes to trials.
Enjoy!

Why are so few Kiwi cancer patients in clinical…

This week we share with you a few tips to keep your Chin Up, a story on the prescribing of OxyContin, and some tips on how to communicate with your healthcare team. Enjoy!

Pharmac has spent tens of millions on OxyContin, blamed for…

This week we share with you the progress of Blair Vining's petition for the establishment of a national cancer agency with oversight for care throughout the country. There is a new single shot that could help with complex head and neck cancer, and will less side effects. And finally, there are problems in delays at Counties Manukau District Health Board. If you are affected please contact the Network or the author of the…

Northland man left with brain damage after suspected morphine overdose in Auckland hospital

A Northland man has been left with brain damage due to a suspected morphine overdose he received in hospital. 

Trevor Flood, 56, has been left confused and cannot…

The lastest head and neck cancer news covers the era before immunotherapy, coping with grief and a new head and neck cancer drug that could make patients live longer. Enjoy!

Dr. Cohen on the Era Before Immunotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer…

Kia ora tatou,

The latest newsletter includes a full update on the Northern Regional Project to improve head and neck cancer services in the region.

You can read it all by clicking the link below.

June newsletter.pdf

This week our news from around the world includes Sterling K. Brown interviewing cancer survivors, a reminder about HPV and an interview acknowledging the long-term and late effects of treatment.