Head and Neck Cancer Australia

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/

10/11/2025

A huge thank you to Jack Busch and Pete McKenzie, who ran the Canberra Times Fun Run Half Marathon, raising an incredible $6,343 for Head and Neck Cancer Australia.

Pete shared:

“I lost my wife Lauren in July this year to head and neck cancer. Jack is a very close friend of ours and last year he ran the Canberra Half Marathon and fundraised for HANCA while Lauren was going through chemo. She was so impressed and grateful for his support.

Five weeks ago Jack invited me to run in this year’s event and fundraise for HANCA again. I wasn’t exactly prepared to run that far but I made it happen. By doing it together we thought it’d be a great opportunity for us both to honour the strength and determination Lauren displayed throughout her whole cancer journey.”

We are so grateful to Jack and Pete for their incredible effort and for honouring Lauren’s memory together in such a powerful way.

07/11/2025

Congratulations to our Head and Neck Cancer Gala 2025 Award winners who were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the community:
🏆 Community Award - Local Hero: Marty Doyle
🏆 Community Award - Excellence in Patient Advocacy: Tiel Lillehagen
🏆 Health Professional Award (Medical): A/Prof Dion Forstner
🏆 Health Professional Award (Nursing/Allied Health): Tracey Nicholls

Their leadership, compassion and dedication are making a real difference for people affected by Head and Neck Cancer.

04/11/2025

We are incredibly grateful to Guy Sherlock Photography for capturing the emotion, energy, and highlights of the Head and Neck Cancer Gala 2025. The generosity and talent of both Guy and Raúl means we can share these special moments with the wider HNC community.

See the full photo gallery: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/1sy5u9mvoyq4e5qqss5g0/AGYxX6w97WxdXqJomNSHZUQ?rlkey=z3wohcvnqslh5qr589zfs8ynn&st=bnoqejcr&dl=0

03/11/2025

The inaugural Head and Neck Cancer Gala was an unforgettable evening of connection, recognition and celebration.

We are delighted to share that together with the Australian and New Zealand Head & Neck Cancer Society - anzhncs we raised more than $135,000, that will help fund vital Head and Neck Cancer research and provide ongoing support to those affected by this disease, both now and into the future.

Thank you to everyone involved in the organisation of the Gala and everyone who gave, bid, popped balloons, or pledged support.

Special thanks also goes to Jenny Brockie, our wonderful emcee and James Slattery our fabulous auctioneer!

The inaugural Head and Neck Cancer Awards presented at the Gala also recognised four individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the Head and Neck Cancer community. Congratulations to our Head and Neck Cancer Gala 2025 Award winners:

🏆 Community Award - Local Hero: Marty Doyle
🏆 Community Award - Excellence in Patient Advocacy: Tiel Lillehagen
🏆 Health Professional Award (Medical): A/Prof Dion Forstner
🏆 Health Professional Award (Nursing/Allied Health): Tracey Nicholls

Stay tuned for the longer Gala highlight reel, photo gallery and link to the very special Gala video coming soon!

28/10/2025

Did you miss HANCA CEO, Nadia Rosin call for federal funding of dental prosthetics on the 7:30 Report last night? Catch up on ABC Iview today: https://iview.abc.net.au/video/NC2501H170S00

Australians with oral cancer are being left tens of thousands of dollars out of pocket to cover dental prosthetics, because of a gap in public and private funding.