Number of people diagnosed with cancer in UK ‘will rise by a third by 2040’
You may have seen the headlines ahead of World Cancer Day 2023 about research published from Cancer Research that finds that cancer cases will rise from the 384,000 cases diagnosed every year now to 506,000 in the next 17 years. This is an extremly worrying issue, and one that we are already seeing across Head and Neck cancers.
Action is needed to diagnose and treat cancers faster, invest in research and enhance the patience experience.
To help alleviate the strain on the NHS this increase will inevitably cause you can be aware of the signs and symptoms, and going to your doctor or dentist if these persist for more than 3 weeks to help diagnose at an earlier stage.
Being aware of the risk factors is also key:
- Tobacco: includes smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes; chewing tobacco; and using snuff. It is the single largest risk factor for head and neck cancer. Researchers estimate that 70% to 80% of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use, and the amount of tobacco use may affect prognosis, which is the chance of recovery. In addition, secondhand smoke may increase a person’s risk of developing head and neck cancer.
- Alcohol: Frequent and heavy alcohol consumption raises the risk of developing cancer in the mouth, pharynx, larynx, and esophagus.
Did you know there are other factors that can raise a person’s risk of developing head and neck cancer? You can read more here about what they are.
Help us beat cancer
Our life-saving work relies on the money you give us.
Donate now and together we can save more lives by beating cancer sooner. Donate Now
2 Minutes to Save Your Life: Oracle Launches HeadNeckCheck Campaign for Make Sense Week
This Make Sense Week (15-20 September), the European-wide head and neck cancer awareness initiative, Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK, is championing both prevention and early detection – recognising that stopping cancer before it starts is just as vital as catching it early. Two Ways to Fight Cancer This Week Prevention Today: Head and neck…
Leadership update
After four successful years as CEO, Tamara Kahn has transformed Oracle into a respected national voice for head and neck cancer patients. She established a national presence, created a four-pillar RACE strategy (Research, Awareness, Collaboration and Patient/Community Engagement) and built strong policy influence. With these foundations now firmly in place, Tamara will transition from her…
Finding Light in Adversity: Seven inspiring stories through head and neck cancer
A new collection of patient stories from Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK reveals how individuals facing head and neck cancer have discovered unexpected sources of strength, purpose and even joy during their treatment and recovery. The seven contributors share remarkably similar themes despite their unique journeys. Almost all emphasise the power of maintaining a…
NHS to fast-track patients with head and neck cancer into cancer vaccine trial
Patients with advanced head and neck cancers in England will be fast-tracked into a trial of a new cancer vaccine, as the NHS expands its world-leading trial ‘match-making’ service. The investigational cancer vaccine uses mRNA technology to help the immune system recognise and kill cancer cells containing human papillomavirus proteins. More than 100 patients with advanced head…
World Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Day 2025: The HPV Vaccine Could Save Your Life
27th July 2025 This World Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Day, Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK has a simple but urgent message: HPV vaccination saves lives. With HPV-related head and neck cancers having doubled in the past 20 years, the charity is using today to remind the public that these devastating cancers are preventable…
Data from the National Disease Registration Service on HPV associated and HPV independent oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
The Get Data Out Programme from the National Disease Registration Service (NDRS), part of NHS England, has published statistics on incidence, routes to diagnosis and treatment for patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer in England by human papillomavirus (HPV) status. To our knowledge this is the first time data on oropharyngeal cancer by HPV status has…
Join Us for an Evening of Research, Impact, and Conversation
Research & Impact EveningDate: Monday 28th April 2025Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PMVenue: Skyline, Tower Suites, 100 Minories, London EC3N 1JY A Celebration of Research Join us for a meaningful and action-focused evening where we’ll be diving into some of the big conversations around head and neck cancer – especially those linked to HPV (human…
What the Rare Cancers Bill Means for Head & Neck Cancer
14 March marked a crucial moment for research into rare cancers, as the Rare Cancers Bill took another significant step toward becoming law! Dr. Scott Arthur, a Labour MP, introduced this legislation in Parliament to drive much-needed research into cancers affecting fewer than 1 in 2000 people in the UK – including many types of…
Theatre Meets Healthcare: Breaking Barriers in Cancer Conversations
In Leicester, theatre is transforming how Black communities talk about cancer. Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK, alongside Theatre Sans Frontières, is using interactive Forum Theatre to tackle stigma, improve healthcare conversations, and break down cultural barriers. Actors bring real-life cancer diagnosis experiences to the stage – but the audience isn’t just watching. They step in, suggest changes, and…
Jamie Theakston Announces He is Cancer-Free After Laryngeal Cancer Treatment
Heart Breakfast’s much-loved presenter, Jamie Theakston, has shared the incredible news that he is now cancer free! After completing treatment for stage one laryngeal cancer – cancer of the voice box (larynx), Jamie made his highly anticipated return to the airwaves today, reuniting with listeners and co-hosts alike. Diagnosed in September 2024, Jamie initially thought…
Help Beat Head and Neck Cancer
Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1142037), and in Scotland (SC052790).
Registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (7125497). Registered address: 80 Coombe Road, New Malden KT3 4QS.