Head & Neck Cancer Support Network Trust Community News
November: Mouth Cancer Action Month
Here in New Zealand, mouth cancer affects over 300 people each year, with cases on the rise. Often, this disease goes undetected until it has already reached an advanced stage, making treatment more challenging and survival rates lower. Early detection can make a difference, and this is where our general practitioners (GPs) and dentists have a vital role to play. For more information, click here…
November is Mouth Cancer Action month. We are providing resources for you to share with your dentists. We are also raising awareness of dental care costs for Head and Neck cancer patients. and their whānau
Top Tips for Dentists
We link you to an excellent resource prepared by the British Dental Journal. Please share this post with your whānau and your dentist.
https://www.headandneck.org.nz/advancents/top-tips-for-dentists
Oral Health and Head and Neck Cancer
Poor oral health could lead to certain types of cancer, according to a new study.
New research shows bacteria that thrive in people’s mouths could increase the risk of head and neck cancers. https://www.headandneck.org.nz/advancents/blog-post-discovery
The Financial Burden of Head and Neck Cancer
Patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) face substantial dental needs and related financial burden, with 45% reporting that their post-cancer dental care led to economic hardship, according to results from a survey published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery.
This study was conducted among Head and Neck Cancer Alliance members who had undergone treatment for HNC. Out of 100 individuals who consented to participate, 85 people answered all of the questions and were included in the analysis.
The study revealed that the severe oral complications, including xerostomia, caries, and oral mucositis, that occurred among study participants following HNC treatment (i.e., concomitant chemoradiotherapy regimens, as per the authors) were not covered by most private medical insurers, despite the critical need for dental care, creating a barrier to necessary treatment.
https://www.headandneck.org.nz/advancements/financial-strain
You may know that there is a campaign for free dental care for all New Zealanders. In New Zealand, routine dental care is free for under 18-year-olds. Emergency dental care is also available through the public healthcare system, and a means-tested Work & Income grant is available for dental costs under $1000.
However, the cost of dental care for most adults means nearly half (42%) can not afford to go. That number increases to 54% for Māori and 51% for Pasifika, according to a 2022 report by the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS).
This is because dental care is excluded from the public health system so the average dental appointment bill is $353 — about half of an adult minimum-wage earner's weekly income. You can find out more here. https://www.1news.co.nz/2024/11/04/the-true-cost-of-nzs-poor-record-of-dental-care-revealed/
⛯ New Explorers Joining Our Community!
A warm welcome to new members, Bridge OBrien who recently joined our community Facebook page, "The Explorers".
Your presence enriches our network, bringing diverse experiences and perspectives. We encourage everyone to engage, share stories, and offer support as we navigate this journey together.
We have a welcome pack for you click the link here to order. Link to Welcome Pack
🗞️ News: International Head and Neck Cancer
We know that you and your whānau and friends, who share your journey, want to have access to the latest reliable information on head and neck cancer treatment advances. We have created a catalogue of new developments for you to view. We will keep adding to these resources as time goes on. Please feel free to share; there is much advancement in treatments and hope. https://www.headandneck.org.nz/advancents
Keytruda is a Beacon of Hope in Head and Neck Cancer
Tumor-Killing Technology in Head and Neck CancerThe phase 3 KEYNOTE-689 trial has been evaluating Keytruda (pembrolizumab) as a perioperative treatment for patients newly diagnosed with stage 3 or 4A, resected, locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
The drug was given as a neoadjuvant therapy before surgery, then continued after surgery in combination with standard-of-care radiotherapy (with or without cisplatin) as an adjuvant therapy, and then as a maintenance therapy.
Results from a pre-specified interim analysis demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in event-free survival for patients receiving the Keytruda regimen, meeting the study’s primary endpoint.
https://www.headandneck.org.nz/advancents/blog-post-title-tumour-killing
🌟Celebrating Resilience: Three Years Cancer-Free!
Make it stand out
We are thrilled to share a heartwarming story of resilience and triumph from one of our community members who has recently reached a significant milestone—three years cancer-free!
After being diagnosed with cancer of the parotid gland and lymph nodes in his neck, his journey through surgery and radiation therapy was anything but easy. He faced the many challenges that come with treatment, including dry mouth, taste changes, facial paralysis, and hearing loss.
But today, we celebrate his strength, perseverance, and the unwavering support that carried him through this difficult time. Throughout his treatment, he received exceptional care from his ENT surgeon and Radiation Therapy lead clinician, who guided him through the medical hurdles with skill and compassion. He credits much of his recovery to their expertise and dedication.
With their help, and the support of his loving family, he found the strength to push through the toughest moments and come out the other side stronger than ever. Now, three years cancer-free, he has not only reclaimed his health but also returned to the workplace, embracing life with renewed purpose.
His story reminds us of the importance of persistence and the power of a strong support network—whether it's from family, friends, or the amazing healthcare professionals who walk beside us on this journey. We celebrate this wonderful milestone and wish him continued health and happiness in the years to come. His journey is an inspiration to all of us in the head and neck cancer community. Let’s all take a moment to reflect on the strength of the human spirit and the importance of coming together to support one another in times of need. Congratulations on this incredible achievement!
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🫶🏽 Community Resources
If you are new to head and neck cancer, or back in treatment, we have a support pack for you. You can find all the details here. https://www.headandneck.org.nz/patient-planner
If you would like some brochures to introduce the Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust to your family and friends, please feel free to contact us headandnecknetwork@gmail.com
🫶🏽 Contact us
We welcome contact from our head and neck cancer community, including whānau and friends. Please feel welcome at any of these contact points. https://www.headandneck.org.nz/contact-us
🌟 From the Chair
Kia ora koutou,
As we mark Mouth Cancer Action Month, we are reminded of the 300+ New Zealanders affected each year by this challenging disease. Sadly, many cases are diagnosed late, which can complicate treatment and impact survival. But there is hope. With early detection, treatment is far more effective and lives can be saved.
We are incredibly grateful to our GPs and dentists who stand on the frontline, helping patients and communities stay vigilant and proactive about their health. Together, we can make a difference. By raising awareness, encouraging regular check-ups, and sharing information, we move closer to a future where mouth cancer is detected early and tackled effectively.
Let’s keep supporting each other, staying informed, and empowering our loved ones to take action. Together, we can change the story for mouth cancer in New Zealand.
Ngā mihi nui,
[Board Chair’s Name]
Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust
Donate Now: https://www.headandneck.org.nz/donations
Thank you for your continued support.
Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust
