Head and Neck Cancer Australia

12/12/2025

Radiation therapy for Head and Neck Cancer can make the skin more sensitive to sun exposure. Staying sun-smart is an important part of looking after your skin, whether you are currently in treatment or have completed it.

Our website has guidance on caring for your skin, including simple steps such as effective UV protection, moisturising approaches, and when to speak with your care team.

Learn more here:
headandneckcancer.org.au/health-wellbeing/skin-after-cancer/

For personalised guidance and support contact the Helpline on
1300 424 848 Monday to Friday 9am–5pm (AEST)

09/12/2025

A friendly reminder that Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is running a study to understand how follow-up care can be improved for people who have finished treatment for Head and Neck Cancer.

If you have completed treatment, you are invited you to take part in a one-on-one interview (45–60 minutes) with the COBL research team. Interviews can be done by phone or video call at a time that suits you.

Your input will help researchers design better models of care that meet the needs and preferences of people affected by Head and Neck Cancer.

To register your interest, please complete the short form here:
https://redcap.link/2cl2k7uj

If you have any questions, please contact the study coordinator:
Dr Poorva Pradhan
Email: poorva.pradhan@lh.org.au
Phone: 02 8514 0428

08/12/2025

Eating socially can feel challenging after treatment for Head and Neck Cancer. This webinar discusses practical approaches for eating in social settings, managing changes following treatment, and supporting confidence at gatherings. The session is presented by clinicians and people with lived experience and includes strategies that may be helpful over the holiday period.

Watch here: Eating socially after Head and Neck Cancer

A timely webinar as the festive season fast approaches, listen to guest speakers Joanne Hiatt, a Dietitian at Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital and former HN...

02/12/2025

Friendly reminder that our first online support group session for Family and Friends is happening tomorrow!

Join us Thursday, 4 December at 12pm. Register here to receive a zoom link: https://www.headandneckcancer.org.au/health-wellbeing/support-groups-for-head-and-neck-cancer/hanca-family-and-friends-support-group/

Caring for someone with Head and Neck Cancer can be isolating and emotionally demanding. HANCA’s new Carers and Family Peer Support Group offers a space to connect with others who understand what it’s like to care for a loved one through treatment and recovery.

Thursday 4 December, 12pm – 1:30pm AEST (sessions run every eight weeks)
Online via Zoom
Register your interest: https://www.headandneckcancer.org.au/health-wellbeing/support-groups-for-head-and-neck-cancer/hanca-head-and-neck-cancer-family-and-friends-support-group/

Our next Patient Peer Support Group session is also coming up on Tuesday, 17 December at 12pm. Learn more or sign up here: https://www.headandneckcancer.org.au/health-wellbeing/support-groups-for-head-and-neck-cancer/hanca-head-and-neck-cancer-patient-support-group/

26/11/2025

The Australian Book of Records is bringing some of Australia’s finest performers together for a world record singalong of John Farnham’s iconic songs, celebrating 40 years of Whispering Jack at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne on Friday, 13 March 2026.

HANCA is excited and proud to be the beneficiary of this event, with a portion of all ticket sales supporting our work with Australians affected by Head and Neck Cancer. Funds raised will help us continue providing free evidence-based information, counselling, support and connection for the 5,500 people diagnosed each year.

Join us for this fun event and help make a meaningful difference for patients, families and carers across the country.

Ticket information:
https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=WATVOICE26&eg=PRESENTER&ep=WATV26TABOR

21/11/2025

If you or someone you care for is preparing for radiation therapy for Head and Neck Cancer you’ll find clear, up-to-date guidance on what to expect, tips for side-effect management, and evidence-based advice on HANCA's website. Read the expert reviewed resource here:

Radiation therapy is often used for treatment of Head and Neck Cancers. Radiation therapy is the targeted use of X-rays to destroy cancer cells.

20/11/2025

A huge congratulations and heartfelt thanks to our Three Capes Trekkers for raising more than $38,000 in support of Head and Neck Cancer Australia! This challenging four-day adventure was months in the making and featured some truly spectacular scenery.

Thank you to the entire trek team, as well as everyone who donated, cheered you on, and supported you every step of the way.

If you’d like to contribute, please visit:
https://head-and-neck-cancer-australia.grassrootz.com/hanca-2025-threecapes

20/11/2025

Many people with Head and Neck Cancer face challenges eating and swallowing, even years after treatment. It’s not just about nutrition, struggles with eating affects daily life, confidence and social connection.

HANCA provides information and guidance to help people live well with these long-term side effects:https://www.headandneckcancer.org.au/media/a1en0rln/diet-and-nutrition.pdf

19/11/2025

The full Head and Neck Cancer Gala video is now live! Thank you to every guest, sponsor and supporter who made this unforgettable night possible.

Jointly hosted by the Australian and New Zealand Head and Neck Cancer Society and Head and Neck Cancer Australia, the gala brought our community together to honour patients, carers, clinicians, researchers and advocates working to change the future of Head and Neck Cancer.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

14/11/2025

Day one complete! Our HANCA Three Capes Trekkers kicked off their journey with a 9km walk from Remarkable Caves to Crescent Bay, and some even tackled Mount Brown!

HANCA’s very own Nadia and Barb are taking on this epic challenge alongside the amazing team of trekkers from QLD, VIC, ACT, NSW, and NT, hiking to raise funds for Australians affected by Head and Neck Cancer.

Together they’ve already raised $37,723 of their $45,000 goal! A well-earned dinner awaits our trekkers tonight. Cheer them on:
https://head-and-neck-cancer-australia.grassrootz.com/hanca-2025-threecapes

11/11/2025

A heartfelt thank you to Carol Andrews and the Order of the Eastern Star (Sydney District) for their incredible generosity and long-standing support of Head and Neck Cancer Australia.

The photos shared by Carol capture wonderful memories, from her time as Sydney District Grand Matron wearing the ceremonial collar, to special moments with fellow members including Elaine and Barb. That very collar was recently sold to a jeweller, raising an amazing $15,000 for HANCA.

We’re so grateful for the Order of the Eastern Star’s kindness and commitment to supporting people affected by Head and Neck Cancer.

11/11/2025

Caring for someone with Head and Neck Cancer can be isolating and emotionally demanding. HANCA’s new Carers and Family Peer Support Group offers a space to connect with others who understand what it’s like to care for a loved one through treatment and recovery.

Thursday 4 December, 12pm – 1:30pm AEST (sessions run every eight weeks)
Online via Zoom
Register your interest: https://www.headandneckcancer.org.au/health-wellbeing/support-groups-for-head-and-neck-cancer/hanca-head-and-neck-cancer-family-and-friends-support-group/

Our next Patient Peer Support Group session is also coming up on Tuesday, 17 December at 12pm. Learn more or sign up here: https://www.headandneckcancer.org.au/health-wellbeing/support-groups-for-head-and-neck-cancer/hanca-head-and-neck-cancer-patient-support-group/