Head and Neck Cancer Australia

24/12/2025

Twelve years ago, on Christmas Eve, a generous philanthropic gift turned a dream into reality.

That incredible act of kindness, together with the passion of leading Head and Neck Cancer clinicians, sparked the beginning of HANCA - a community created so no one has to face Head and Neck Cancer alone.

From day one, our mission has been simple: to bring together clinical expertise and lived experience, offering trusted education, heartfelt support, and a strong voice for our community.
This year, we reached a new milestone: launching Australia’s first specialist Head and Neck Cancer Helpline. Already, it’s provided over 500 moments of comfort and clarity – expert guidance and emotional care when people need it most.

As we reflect on that defining moment 12 years ago, we look ahead with hope. In 2026, we’ll celebrate 10 years since HANCA officially launched, and we can’t wait to share that milestone with you - our incredible community.

Until then, thank you for being part of our journey. Wishing you a safe and peaceful festive season.

22/12/2025

Our Head and Neck Cancer Helpline will remain open Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm AEST (Excluding public holidays).

If you need information, support or just someone to talk to, we’re here for you.

Call 1300 424 848 or visit https://www.headandneckcancer.org.au/how-can-we-help/ to text chat with our specialist Helpline nurses.

21/12/2025

Eating during the Christmas season can be challenging for people living with Head and Neck Cancer. We’ve put together some gentle tips that may help make meals feel more comfortable and enjoyable. Swipe through for simple strategies you can use over the holidays.

Learn more through the resources available on website: https://www.headandneckcancer.org.au/health-wellbeing/diet-and-nutrition/eating-socially/
Or call 1300 424 848 to speak with our specialist Helpline nurses.

19/12/2025

This year, Head and Neck Cancer Australia expanded our reach across the community, delivering new services, trusted information and meaningful support for people living with Head and Neck Cancer. Your generosity makes this possible.

Donate today and give the gift of support: https://hanca-christmas-appeal-2025.raiselysite.com/

16/12/2025

On Sunday, 7 December, Henni Parry held a fundraising event in memory of her beloved husband Malcolm who died of Head and Neck Cancer a year ago to the day. Sixty people gathered at Christies Beach Hotel in South Australia, including Henni and Malcolm’s children, seven grandchildren, family members and community friends.

“It was a great day. Malcolm was remembered with love and the lots of fun we all had with him and his Dad jokes.” Says Henni.

Our heartfelt thanks to Henni and family for raising much needed awareness in their community and raising over $1,300 through raffle sales and items in HANCA’s fundraising box.

16/12/2025

We welcome the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listing from 1 December 2025 of Zytorvi® (toripalimab), the first and only immunotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer.

Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare and aggressive Head and Neck Cancer, three times more common in men than women, affecting approximately 200 people in Australia per year.

This subsidy is a significant milestone in improving access to innovative treatments for Australians with rare cancers. Despite advances in immunotherapy and targeted medicines over the past decade, people living with this rare type of Head and Neck Cancer previously had only traditional treatment options available to them, including radiation, chemotherapy, and invasive surgery. To learn more about immunotherapy visit: https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/treatment/immunotherapy

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.