| |  | | - 2026 Survivorship Symposium recap
- September webinar details
- Meet our Ambassadors - Michael Sola
- Good News
- News & Shorts - articles, podcasts, and more
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| RECAP 2026 HNC SURVIVORSHIP SYMPOSIUM |
|  | | THANK YOU AND WE'LL SEE YOU NEXT YEAR! Our 2026 Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Symposium was an incredible day of learning, connection, and community. With more than 400 people registered in person and another 100 enjoying the Boston Tour afterward, it was our largest in-person symposium to date. Seeing survivors, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advocates come together to share experiences, knowledge, and encouragement reminded us why this event is so meaningful. A heartfelt thank you to our presenters for sharing their expertise, our exhibitors for connecting attendees with valuable resources, our sponsors for making this event possible, and our volunteers for the countless behind-the-scenes efforts that kept everything running smoothly. Your generosity, time, and dedication made this symposium a success. If you attended, thank you for being part of such a special day. If you weren't able to join us, we look forward to welcoming you in the future. Over the next month or so, we'll be posting session videos, presentation slides, and additional resources from the symposium. We'll notify everyone as soon as they're available. We hope you'll join us next year for our 2027 Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Symposium in Atlanta. Dates will be announced soon, and we can't wait to see you there! |
| JOIN US NEXT YEAR IN ATLANTA! DATE TBA. |
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| | DENTAL CARE BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER HNC TREATMENT | SEPTEMBER 23, 7PM ET
Oral health plays a vital role in the treatment and recovery journey for people affected by head and neck cancer. Cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can lead to a variety of dental and oral health challenges, including dry mouth, tooth decay, difficulty eating, jaw stiffness, and changes in overall oral function. Join us for an informative discussion featuring a dentist, dental hygienist, and head and neck cancer survivor who will share expert guidance and personal experiences. The panel will discuss the importance of dental care before, during, and after treatment, strategies for preventing and managing common oral complications, and practical tips for maintaining long-term oral health and quality of life. Whether you are newly diagnosed, currently undergoing treatment, or years into survivorship, this webinar will provide valuable information and resources to help you navigate the dental challenges that can accompany head and neck cancer. |
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| | | Michael Sola Husband, Father, IT Director | Survivor of HPV-attributed Stage II Throat Cancer |
| | Michael never expected a routine heart procedure to uncover something far more serious. After moving with his wife to the Blue Ridge Mountains to enjoy a quieter life, he was focused on home projects when a cardiac issue led to surgery. During his recovery, doctors discovered an unexpected growth in his throat. Despite having no warning signs, Michael was diagnosed with HPV-related throat cancer that had already spread to his lymph nodes. His treatment journey quickly became more complicated than he imagined. Chemotherapy, radiation, a feeding tube, and an extended stay in the ICU tested him physically and emotionally. One unexpected act of kindness from a nurse during his hospital stay became a turning point that Michael still remembers years later. Today, Michael continues to adapt to life after treatment while living with lasting side effects. Rather than keeping his experience private, he has chosen to share it openly in the hope of encouraging others. Read Michael's full story to learn how resilience, family, and community helped him navigate a life-changing diagnosis. |
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| | | SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS! We want to celebrate the wins in our community, big or small. Finished treatment, joined an awareness event, welcomed a grandchild, or reached a personal milestone? We’d love to share your good news. This is open to patients, survivors, caregivers, and medical professionals. Email your story and a photo, and tell us what you’re celebrating. By submitting, you give us permission to share it in our newsletter or on social media. We can’t publish every submission. Send your good news to [email protected]. |
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| | Alliance Ambassador Steven Bidwell recently had the opportunity to share his cancer story.
As an actor, stage performer, and singer, Steven Bidwell’s voice is his livelihood, source of joy, and how he connects with audiences around the world. It is also something he has spent nearly three decades fighting to save. Read the article to find out more. |
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| | | | | | Cancer Survivor Exercise Study
Researchers at Colorado State University are recruiting cancer survivors nationwide for the SURGE (Survivors Uniting for Remote Guided Exercise) Study, a virtual research study exploring how exercise can improve health and well-being after cancer. You may be eligible if you were diagnosed within the past five years, have completed primary treatment, and currently exercise less than 150 minutes per week. Participants will be compensated for their time. Learn more or see if you qualify at www.thesurgestudy.org. |
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| | | MONTHLY GIVING - DONATE TODAY Start the year with hope. Monthly giving provides steady, year-round support for people affected by head and neck cancer.
Your monthly recurring gift helps sustain - education
- survivorship resources
- patient support every month
With your support, we can continue to help individuals and families find help when they need it. Join our Monthly Giving Community today! |
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| | REVIEW US ON GOOGLE!
If our programs and materials have made a difference to you, please consider reviewing us on Google.
Your review will help make us more visible so other patients, survivors, and caregivers can easily find us while searching online!
To write a review, you'll need to sign up for a free Gmail account. |
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| | PICTURE THIS!
We're looking for pictures of real people to use on our website, brochures, and social media. We don't want to use boring stock photos! Your photos could provide hope and inspiration to others going through head and neck cancer! |
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| DO YOU FOLLOW? Are you following us on social media? It's just one more way to keep up to date with what is going on with us as well as other head and neck cancer related news and opportunities. So pick your favorite platform and give us a follow!
Facebook | Twitter* | LinkedIn | Instagram
*also known as X
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| | | THANK YOU SPONSORS!
Corporate sponsors play a crucial role in the mission of the Alliance. Their support not only provides vital funding for our programs and services but also amplifies awareness of head and neck cancers. Together, we create hope, spread knowledge, and save lives. |
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| | *Statement on Sponsor Content and Corporate Support: The information published on this website and in our materials is intended to educate you about 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. |
| | Be sure to add our email address to your address book or safe senders list so our emails get to your inbox. Having trouble viewing this email? View it in your web browser |
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| Head & Neck Cancer Alliance
PO BOX 21688 | Charleston, South Carolina 29413
866-792-4622 | [email protected] |
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