Adding new tools to the oncology toolbox

HNCA thanks PDS Biotechnology for its support of our ongoing patient and survivor education initiatives.

By Dr. Lauren V. Wood
Chief Medical Officer at PDS Biotech

As we learn more about cancers, we realize the tricks they play on the body. For generations the approach to treat cancer has been surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. But today’s immunotherapies have created a myriad of opportunities for the body’s immune system to target cancers.

Charmaine White

Her journey began on September 11th, 2020, when she was first diagnosed with Stage 4 Tongue Cancer. As a nurse, providing care to various cancer patients, she understood the many struggles and challenges of cancer treatments and the side effects.  She proceeded with caution.

READ HER STORY

Julia Porter

“I’m sorry, but you have cancer.”

With those six jarring words, Julia’s life was suddenly divided into two stark contrasts: B.C. (before cancer) and A.C. (after cancer). While on the phone with her otolaryngologist, who had just operated on her the day before, she fumbled for a piece of paper and a pen to write down the diagnosis, Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma.

READ HER STORY

Ask the Expert-Lymphedema Q&A was a success! Thank you to those that joined us!

We appreciate Tactile Medical for the Educational Grant and Inspire for partnering with us on this education. http://ow.ly/H0ei50LtIzo (Visit this link for the completed session - Please note, the session is complete and a resource to you. Questions can no longer be submitted).

VISIT THE SESSION

Thank you to Tactile Medical for its support of our ongoing patient and survivor education initiatives.

Giving Tuesday is around the corner:

Head and Neck Cancer Alliance Family, we're grateful for you! Save the date for #GivingTuesday, on November 29th. We are excited to announce that Dr. Nik Rana and his family has a challenge for our HNCA Family! Dr. Rana, with Rana Facial Plastic Surgery is matching up to $20,000 in gifts this Giving Tuesday/End of Year Giving! This will increase our impact and will make a difference in our community. Thank you for joining us!

Donate before #GT2022

Oral Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week Site Registration Coming Soon:

We are pleased to announce the launch of the 2023 Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week registration. The opening will be on December 5th, 2022.

The January Webinar: Save the Date

We are pleased to announce our January Webinar, "Sharing Your Head and Neck Cancer Diagnosis and Managing Ongoing Communications.“ Follow social media for detailed information to come.

In Memory of Mike

Dr. Michael “Mike” Metzler passed away on October 18, 2022 at the age of 70 while vacationing in Arizona. HNCA had the honor and pleasure of working with Mike in his role as an HNCA Ambassador for the last five years. Diagnosed with Stage 4 head and neck cancer in February of 2009, Mike had to cope with many debilitating and permanent side effects. He openly shared his experiences as a cancer patient and a survivor through his blog and later his book, “My Two Journeys in Cancer World: Team Mike Versus the Prairie Dogs” (available on Amazon) with proceeds going to HNCA. In his role as Ambassador, he participated in activities ranging from evaluating research proposals that would determine how $115 million appropriated by Congress would be spent on cancer research to participating in educational webinars (Visit LINK to the educational webinar), to being a one-on-one mentor.

Mike was a bright light and generous with his time and his insights in support of his fellow head and neck cancer patients and survivors. We are indebted to him for his generosity of time, wisdom, and resources.

In lieu of flowers, Mike’s family asks you to consider donating to Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, a cause that was near and dear to Mike's heart.

DONATE

Researchers Seeking Patient & Survivor Feedback for Lymphedema Survey Project

Researchers at Stanford University are developing a quality-of-life survey for patients diagnosed with head and neck lymphedema. They are looking for feedback on the survey from patients who have been diagnosed with head and neck lymphedema. If you are interested in participating, you can access the survey by scanning the QR code.

If you have additional questions, please contact Heather Starmer, at hstarmer@stanford.edu, the primary investigator.

The Future of Head and Neck Cancer: Emerging Treatments, Clinical Trials, and Research Studies

*Sponsor Content | Learn HNCA's stance on corporate support below.

https://hnca.careboxhealth.com/HNCA’s work would not be possible without our sponsors and partners. Please see below to learn more about our partners and the clinical trials that are underway to help head and neck cancer patients. For more information about clinical trials and where to find trials that might apply to you or a loved one, visit our Clinical Trial Finder or click on any of the trial opportunities below.

*Statement on Sponsor Content and Corporate Support: The information published on this website and in our materials is intended to educate you about Oral, Head and Neck Cancer. The content is not intended to take the place of a discussion with a qualified physician who is familiar with your medical situation. It is important to remember that each individual is different, and the reasons for—and outcomes of—any treatment plan depends on the patient's individual condition. If you have questions or concerns after reading any information on this website or in our materials, you should discuss them openly and honestly with your physician. Any products and manufacturers included on this site are presented for informational purposes only and do not constitute product approval or endorsement by HNCA. The content provided by HNCA is in no way intended to be a substitute for medical consultation with a qualified professional. HNCA encourages those using its resources to be careful when evaluating medical information or products. If you are unsure about your medical condition, consult a physician. Funding from our corporate partners supports HNCA’s programs and educational initiatives, and HNCA maintains independence in its design of programs, content, and initiatives.