Head and neck cancer
What is head and neck cancer?
Around 90% of head and neck cancers begin in the squamous cells that line the moist, mucosal surfaces inside this region of the body, such as those inside the mouth, nose and throat.1
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Where does head and neck cancer occur?2,3
Prevalence of head and neck cancer
From 2016 – 2018, head and neck cancer was the 8th most common cancer in the UK with around 12,400 people diagnosed each year.4 There are around 4,100 head and neck cancer deaths in the UK every year and, over the last decade, the prevalence of head and neck cancer has increased by almost a sixth (16%).4
Signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer
The table below includes some common symptoms for the different types of head and neck cancer, which vary depending on where the cancer is located and whether it has spread to nearby tissues.1 It is important to remember that someone may not necessarily have head and neck cancer if they are experiencing some of these symptoms, but it is advised to monitor them and speak to a healthcare professional if they do not improve.
| Cancer site | Possible symptoms |
|---|---|
| Mouth |
|
| Voice box (laryngeal) |
|
| Throat |
|
| Salivary gland |
|
| Nasal and sinus |
|
| Back of the nose and mouth (nasopharyngeal) |
|
Head and neck cancer symptoms2
Treatment options for head and neck cancer
People with head and neck cancer are usually treated in specialist centres by a team of healthcare professionals. Treatment options are dependent on the type and stage of their cancer but may include:1
Surgery
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy
Immunotherapy
Collaborating with the community to address the unmet needs of head and neck cancer patients
In partnership with The Swallows and The Mouth Cancer Foundation, Bristol Myers Squibb published the results of the Beyond Clinical Outcomes survey that highlighted the daily physical, emotional and psychological challenges faced by those with head and neck cancer. The survey identified three critical support areas including mental health, quality of life and returning to work.
The survey uncovered that the challenges faced by head and neck cancer patients’ post-treatment contributed to 23% fewer patients returning to full-time employment.5 Consequently, we partnered with The Swallows to form a specialist Steering Group that included The Mouth Cancer Foundation, Salivary Gland Cancer UK, Working With Cancer, and head and neck cancer patients, to develop the Back-to-Work Guide.
The Back-to-Work Guide contains solutions to overcome some of the typical challenges people may face following head and neck cancer treatment and demonstrates our commitment to empowering patients to feel more confident when considering returning to work.
References
1 Macmillan. Head and neck cancer. Available at: https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/head-and-neck-cancer
Last accessed: October 2023
2 NHS. Head and neck cancer. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-and-neck-cancer/
Last Accessed: October 2023
3 Cancer Research UK. Head and neck cancer. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/head-neck-cancer
Last Accessed: October 2023
4 Cancer Research UK. Head and neck cancers statistics. Available at: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/head-and-neck-cancers#heading-Zero
Last accessed: October 2023
5 Bristol Myers Squibb. Beyond Clinical Outcomes report. July 2019
October 2023 | ONC-GB-2200681