Head & Neck Cancer Support Network Trust Community News
November: Mouth Cancer Action Month
During November, I want to highlight a cause close to our hearts and essential to our mission at the Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust: Mouth Cancer Action Month. This month is about raising awareness, educating ourselves and our community, and most importantly, supporting the frontline healthcare practitioners who can save lives through early detection.
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. Read more by clicking the link here.
We have some resources to share with you and your whānau as we prepare for Mouth Cancer Action month.
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.
Bacteria that thrive in people’s mouths could increase the risk of head and neck cancers, new research shows. https://www.headandneck.org.nz/advancents/blog-post-discovery
⛯ New Explorers Joining Our Community!
A warm welcome to new members, Bridge OBrien who have 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 just click the link here to order. Link to Welcome Pack
Patient Resources
The Head & Neck Cancer Alliance (a USA based organisation) is working to provide webinars focusing on different topics that will help head and neck cancer patients understand what to expect before, during and after treatment and tips on managing side effects from treatment.
https://www.headandneck.org/survivorship-webinars/
Here are some of the recent video resources:
January - Parenting Through A Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment and into Survivorship
- Download Slides Here
May - Head and Neck Cancer: What To Expect the First Year
- Download Resource Slides Here
June - Guiding Light: End Of Life Care For Head and Neck Cancer Patients
- Download Slides Here
August - Thriving as a Laryngectomee: Finding Joy and Embracing Hobbies
- Download Slides Here
🗞️ 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
The 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. Read more at the link.
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 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 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 inspires 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,
Our Charity is making great progress. We are in the process of selecting a new independent board Chair. We have made applications for additional funding, and we continuing in our work of sharing information, supporting patients and whānau, and advocating for better treatment care and support.
Thank you to all who have supported us with their time, stories, resources, and donations. All your support is appreciated.
Donate Now: https://www.headandneck.org.nz/donations
Thank you for your continued support.
Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust
