Medical experts and researchers team up to highlight increase in head and neck cancer
Experts from the University of Derby, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton (UHDB) and University Hospitals Leicester have joined forces to raise awareness of head and neck cancer. The teams, which included clinicians, nurses and scientists, as well as representatives from two national charities – The Swallows and the Oracle Cancer Trust – are on a mission to highlight the rise in these cancers. As part of their campaign, they offered advice and information and free head and neck screening at a recent event in the Derbion Centre in Derby.
The aim was to help people spot the symptoms of these cancers, which are seeing a sharp rise.
Dr Elizabeth Marsh, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Derby:
“A lot of these cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), which also causes cervical cancer. It’s good to see the prevalence of cervical cancer falling as a result of successful screening and vaccination programmes, and we need to ensure that there’s the same level of awareness for its ability to cause head and neck cancers.
“Treatment for head and neck cancer, if not caught early, can affect an individual’s ability to eat, breathe, smile and speak, so it’s really important that we make people aware of what to look for.”
Around 80 people were screened at the session, with around 10% referred for further tests.
Mr Bindy Sahota, Consultant Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) and Head and Neck Surgeon at UHDB:
“We believe there is a general lack of understanding and knowledge in the wider public when it comes to oropharyngeal cancers, but they are rising sharply and are now one of the most common forms of head and neck cancer, especially in men.
“The numbers of people smoking are decreasing and there is an increase in awareness of alcohol-related issues, but we are still seeing a large growth in the numbers of cases, driven by HPV.”
Dr Marsh and her team used the day to gauge awareness levels of head and neck cancers. The information gathered will help evidence the need for head and neck screening in the fight against this cancer, which they plan to raise this with health ministers.
Common signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer can include new and fast-growing lumps, persistent issues with your voice, pain when eating, ulcers that don’t heal, and lumps that bleed, but symptoms can vary.
If you are concerned about head and neck cancer symptoms, please speak to your GP as soon as possible.
Follo
Today is World Mental Health Day 💚
A head and neck cancer diagnosis can take a significant emotional toll, not only on the patient but also on their loved ones.
Backing a new Major National Audit
Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK is backing a major national audit to address the urgent crisis in head and neck cancer care.
Charity Administrator Job – Advert closed
We are looking for a dedicated Administrator to join our team.
Oracle´s Golf Day 2025 – Sonning GC, Reading
Oracle´s annual golf day is on 13th June 2025 at Sonning Golf Club, Reading.
Oracle´s annual Oncology meeting
meeting to discuss cutting edge advancements in the treatment of head and neck cancer
Cancer Treatment Wait Times risking lives
Patients face long delays, only 50% seen within the NHS target of 62 days.
Jamie Theakston announces Laryngeal cancer diagnosis
Jamie has had a lesion removed from his vocal chords (Larynx)
Make Sense Campaign 2024
Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK Supports Make Sense Campaign 2024 Raising Awareness for Head and Neck Cancer We are proud to support the Make Sense Campaign (16th – 21st…
News coverage heralds the start of annual HPV vaccinations
Another busy week for Oracle HNCUK promoting the start of the annual autumn HPV vaccination programme for year 8 children in UK high schools.
Cancer Support Group 6 Year Anniversary
“We could never have imagined just how amazing it would be and just how supportive you would all be to each other”