The Patient Hub

This page is our patient hub. It provides links to our facebook support group, podcasts on various head and neck cancer topics and recipes for delicious food to get you through treatment and beyond.

Scroll down the page for our extensive library of patient stories organised by cancer type.

patient hub

Facebook Group

Nobody can offer advice like a fellow patient. Join our private online support group to speak to people who have been through similar experiences.

podcast on head and neck cancer

Join Michelle Vickers, our CAO as she speaks with a range of interesting people who are all linked to head and neck cancers, either personally or professionally.

4

Head and neck cancer can have a huge impact on saliva and mouth function. We have created resources for those who struggle with eating and nutrition.

Opportunity to Join a Research Study: LOOC Trial

We’re helping to raise awareness of the LOOC trial – a national research study aiming to personalise treatment for people with oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). The goal is to reduce side effects from treatment and improve quality of life.

About the trial

This study is testing a new imaging technique to help determine whether treatment to one or both sides of the neck is needed. For many patients, treating only one side can significantly improve recovery.

Who can take part?

You may be eligible if you:
– Have recently been diagnosed with oropharyngeal cancer (tongue base, tonsil, soft palate or pharyngeal wall)
– Have lymph nodes involved on one side of the neck
– Have not previously had head and neck cancer

The trial involves a scan and a small injection of radiotracer under general anaesthetic. This is often done at the same time as other routine procedures like a biopsy or dental extraction.

Where is the trial taking place?

The study is being run at five specialist hospitals:

  • University College Hospital (UCLH), London

  • The Royal Marsden, London

  • St George’s Hospital, London

  • Liverpool Head and Neck Centre (Aintree)

  • Royal Surrey Hospital, Guildford

If you’re eligible, your care may be transferred temporarily to one of these centres.

Interested?

If you’d like to learn more or ask about joining the study, you can:

Patient Stories

Our video library of people impacted by cancer discussing their unique journeys, treatments and life after cancer. Many patients find comfort in the perspectives of those who have gone through similar experiences.

Living Beyond Cancer: Immaculate Jeyakumar’s Journey Through Stage 4 Head and Neck Cancer

My Head and Neck Cancer Journey – Liz’s Story

Finding Light in Adversity – Dr Susan Jane Jones 

Finding light in adversity – Sarah & Steve Howard 

Finding light in adversity – Karen Liesching-Schroder 

Finding light in adversity – Immaculate Jeyakumar

Finding light in adversity – Anson McKay

Finding light in adversity – John Powell 

Finding light in adversity – Hazel Turner  

Sue’s story

Jono’s story

My earache cause was a sign of advanced tongue cancer

Voice was hoarse but throat didn’t hurt – Toby’s cancer story

Tongue Ulcer Cancer Story – Dizz

Tonsil cancer – a carer’s perspective

HPV Tongue cancer – Charlie´s story

Tongue cancer surgery and radiotherapy – Stessy´s advice

Embracing Carers Campaign – David and Anson

Difficulty swallowing and her cancer diagnosis journey -Kelly

Lump Below Ear Size Of Pea – Anne’s 7 Year Cancer Story

Suzanne’s lump in her neck – lymph node and tonsil cancer

Proton Beam Therapy vs Photon Beam Therapy

The late Sir John Hervey-Bathurst and salivary cancer

In loving memory of Jay Stone – our dear friend and supporter, 25/3/1990 to 3/6/2019

Linda – Ameloblastoma cancer (aged 23), and her surgery treatment

Nikki – oral cancers, reconstructive surgeries and the impact on her, her family and friends

Henrietta – Stage 2 tongue cancer, her Sentinel Node Biopsy surgery and successful recovery

Muriel – mouth/gum cancer, her surgery and recovery

Andrew – tongue cancer and lymph node surgery

Kathryn – Salivary Gland (Parotid) cancer and her successful surgery story

Alex – stage 3 tonsil (oropharynx) cancer and radio/chemotherapy treatment

Darren – Ameloblastoma cancer and surgery treatment in the midst of COVID 19

A Journey of Faith, Hope, and Second Chances

Andrew’s Resilience: A Trumpeter’s Triumph Over Adversity

Lump Above Collarbone Symptom – Hazel’s Tonsil Cancer Battle And Return To Cycling

Peg Feeding – 14 Year Journey of Resilience and Inspirational Optimism -Marc Head

Travelling and Confronting Cancer – Steven’s reflections his battle with Tonsil cancer

Caroline’s story – HPV 16 Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma – a female perspective

Angie – How a cycling challenge helped me recover from tonsil cancer treatment

Life after Lary – Jon describes his daily life after Laryngeal cancer