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 says, Keytruda needs to be available as an option with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy”.

At present HNC patient, Diana Craig is funding her own treatment with donations from a Give a Little Pag

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

The Government has unveiled the first tranche of its cancer plan, announcing a $25 million spend on 12 new radiation machines nationwide.

But the plan, announced by Prime Minist

Kia ora tatou,

Network News

World Head and Neck Cancer Day 2019

We had good media coverage for the day. I would like to thank the Australia New Zealand Head and Neck Cancer Society, the New Zealand Dental Association, the Gillies MacIndoe Research Institute, the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Education Foundation, the Cancer Society, www.hpv.org.nz and the wonderful team at Wellington Zoo. A great effort. You can read all the information shared here. http://headandneck.org.nz/news/weekly-wednesd

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 increasing at a faster rate than other cancers, so what is the connection and is it preventable? 

Jesse Mulligan was joined by Professor Swee Tan, an expert in the field, to tell us more." Click here to listen.

Canterbury DHB supporting World Head and Neck Ca

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 trials?

Most Kiwi cancer patients are keen to take part in clinical trials, a survey shows, despite a tiny proportion actually being

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 America's opioid crisis

Pharmac has spent tens of millions of dollars funding a painkiller at the centre of the American opioid crisis. Experts say it has created a whole new population of drug users. National Correspondent Tony Wall investigates.

Oxycodone, known

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Network News

This month we launch our fundraising campaign for the year. Although we run a lean and mean operation, we need your donations to ensure we can continue our work of connecting, supporting and advocating for people affected by head and neck cancer. 

This year we are joining with Beyond Five in Australia to raise funds through Soup for the Soul. Simply, you make up a soothing, comforting bowl of soup, share it with your friends, family and colleagues. Ask your diners to

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 article.

Cancer care reform: Terminally ill father's petition crashes aft

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 remember how to use a TV remote, his wife Kylie Flood told Radio NZ's Morning Report. 

The Kaipara builder had gone into Auckland City Hospital on February 12 dehydrated and in severe pain after a course of radiation therapy for throat cancer. 

National Volunteer Week 2019

#NVW2019 https://nationalvolunteerweek.nz/

National Volunteer Week celebrates the collective contribution of the 1.2 million volunteers who enrich Aotearoa New Zealand.

National Volunteer Week 2019 runs from June 16-22. This year’s theme is “Whiri Te tangata - weaving the people together". Volunteering, Mahi Aroha and social action weave people together.

This week the Network celebrates our volunteers, and acknowledge their work. We invite more people to join us to

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

Ezra Cohen, MD, associate director, Moores Cancer Center at the University of California, San Diego, discusses the treatment era before immunotherapy in head and neck cancer.

Before PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors came into the mix, there were very limited options i

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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. 

Kia ora tatou,

Network News

Head and Neck Cancer Community Concerns

In an Open Letter our Chair, Diana Ayling, addresses community concerns that have arisen over the last year. As the New Zealand health system faces significant pressures, it is important we as a community work collaboratively together, with one voice. Putting the past behind us is part of that process. Click here to read more....

Annual Members Survey Results

The Network carries out a Members Survey each year. We recently compl

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This is me, and my friend Hazel. In 2011 we were on the Derwent river, Hobart, Australia. We were on our way to see MONA, the Museum of Old and New Art. We had just presented our paper at the ASCILITE conference, Thinking, researching and living in virtual professional development community of practice.

We were thrilled that our paper was well received.  We were further delighted, when a respected Italian academic invited to write a book chapter in her upcoming book.  In 2013,

This week we have news from New Zealand research into head and neck cancer, a brave survivor speaks about the signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer, and we introduce you to a life saving technology - the Gamma Knife. Enjoy... 

Medicine already in use may help cancer treatments

This story was originally published on Newsroom.co.nz and is republished with permission.

From the Bay of Islands to Brussels there's a call to take a fresh look at old drugs to see if they could treat cancer for a fr

Head and neck cancer news is very quiet this week. We bring you three stories to keep you thinking....

The 3 Essential Strategies To Come Back To Life After Cancer

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Network News

The Network has a new Board for the 2019/20 year. Diana Ayling (Chair), Heather Anderson (Secretary), and Board Members, Monica Koia, Brian Sheppard, and Gaynor Anderson. We elected to change the name of the “Committee” to “Board” and to allow online voting for any meeting of members. You can access the Minutes of the AGM here.

The Board is committed to two projects in the year ahead. We will be focusing on bringing the head and neck cancer community in New Zealand to