Head and Neck Cancer Support Network

No one faces head and neck cancer alone

We connect, support and advocate for people affected by head and neck cancer.

We focus on promoting early detection and timely treatment of head and neck cancer in Aotearoa New Zealand. We stand together with all those affected by head and neck cancer, acknowledging that certain barriers lead to inequalities, particularly impacting Māori and Pacific peoples, as well as those living in socioeconomically deprived areas, disabled individuals, and those in rural regions. By working together, we strive to overcome these challenges and ensure equitable access to care and support for everyone. Join our community to follow us and our work.

Current Projects

We regularly advocate for members of our community based on their need to appropriate treatment, care and support. You can view our work here. Advocacy Portfolio

  • Representation in the Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand Northern Region Head and Neck Cancer Oversight Group

  • Collaboration with the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation of Aotearoa.

  • An active supporter of Patient Voice Aotearoa and My Life Matters to ensure all citizens have access to the medicines they need.

  • Supporter and collaborator with Rare Disorders New Zealand to establish a Rare Disorders Strategy for the health sector.

  • Supporter and collaborator with Sexually Transmitted Infections Education Foundation. https://www.stief.org.nz/

Past Projects

  • We have been there since 2015 advocating for better treatment, care and support for those affected by Head and Neck Cancer.

  • In 2017 the Network had representation at the Northern Region Head and Neck Service Review. We have remained committed to the improvements to the service.

  • From 2018 we have worked closely with Patient Voice Aotearoa to ensure better access for funded medicines for those affected by cancer and other conditions.

  • From 2019 we had representation at the Northern Region Implementation Oversight Group who ensure the recommendations of the 2017 review are followed by the head and neck and related services.

  • In 2019 Diana Ayling and Ngaakete Andrews, spoke to the Māori Affairs inquiry into health inequireis for Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand today. The inquiry was initiated in March 2019 and focused on cancer care. It explored barriers that Māori experience relating to prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care.

    The committee’s report contains 19 recommendations to the Government. They include recommending that it:

    • introduce an equity-positive lung cancer screening programme

    • make primary human papillomavirus (HPV) screening and HPV self-testing available

    • require healthcare workers to undergo accredited cultural safety training as part of their professional development

    • establish a te ao Māori Health Promotion Agency run by Māori for all Māori, regardless of their geographic location.

  • In 2019 Diana Ayling, as Chair, presented a petition of the Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Incorporated for the funding of Keytruda and better treatment, care and support for those affected by head and neck cancer.

  • Since 2019 we have worked closely with the Head and Neck Cancer Foundation Aotearoa to raise awarenesss of head and neck cancer and to promote HPV vaccination.

  • from 2021-2 we had two members on the He Tangata consumer reference group for Te Aho o Te Kahu - The Cancer Agency.

  • In August 2021 the Health Committee responded to the petition with recommendations.

  • 2022/3 - Collaboration with the New Zealand Cancer Society on the creation of the head and neck cancer booklet.

  • 2022/3 Representation in two Te Aho o Te Kahu projects related to surgical services and radiotherapy.

  • 2021/2 Representation on the He Tangata Consumer Reference Group at Te Aho o Te Kahu The New Zealand Cancer Agency.