FEATURED IN SEPTEMBER 2024

Space is limited! Register for our Annual Survivorship Symposium
Meet our Ambassadors - this month, Christina Billmire
News & Shorts

HEAD & NECK CANCER SURVIVORSHIP SYMPOSIUM

SPACE IS VERY LIMITED - we only have around 50 seats left for in-person attendance, so please register ASAP if you plan to attend in person. Don't miss your chance to visit with other survivors who understand exactly what you're going through and hear from some of the top head and neck cancer medical experts in the country!

SURVIVORSHIP SYMPOSIUM - OCTOBER 5th

We are only a few weeks away from our annual (FREE) Head & Neck Cancer Survivorship Symposium.

Just like last year, this event will be happening in person and also virtually (for those unable to get to Philadelphia). Join the staff and board of the Alliance, fellow patients, survivors, caregivers, and clinicians as we meet and learn from each other.

This event is free to attend (other than your travel costs if you attend in person - breakfast, lunch, snacks, and parking will be included). Just fill out the registration form linked below.

So brush up on your American Revolution history and re-watch Rocky - we're going to Philly! We look forward to seeing you in October!

PROGRAM SCHEDULE

FEATURED SYMPOSIUM SESSION TOPICS IN MORE DETAIL:

Healing Smiles: Long-Term Strategies After Head and Neck Cancer

This session will explore the unique oral health challenges faced by individuals who have undergone treatment for head and neck cancer. The panel will feature dental experts and a tongue cancer survivor who will share practical advice and strategies for preserving oral health during and after cancer therapy.

Topics will include the use of fluoride treatments, specialized toothpaste or mouth rinses, and methods to alleviate dry mouth. By focusing on distinct dental care needs and oral complications, this session aims to enhance the quality of dental care during cancer treatment and promote better long-term oral health outcomes.

Fueling Resilience: Optimizing Nutrition for Head and Neck Cancer Patients and Survivors

This session is dedicated to addressing the unique nutritional needs and swallowing challenges faced by individuals who have undergone treatment for head and neck cancer.

This session features a multidisciplinary team of experts, including a speech pathologist, an oncology nutritionist, a registered dietitian, and a cancer survivor, who will offer a thorough overview of the key issues.

Participants will gain valuable knowledge, skills, and support to navigate the complexities of nutrition and swallowing post-treatment. The goal is to improve nutritional outcomes, enhance swallowing function, and boost the overall quality of life for head and neck cancer patients and survivors.

MEET OUR AMBASSADORS

Christina Billmire
Veteran, US Navy
Survivor of Tonsil Cancer;
Sutter Creek, CA

Christina Billmire, a US Navy veteran hailing from Sutter Creek, California, has emerged as a resilient survivor, not only of her military service but also of a formidable battle with Stage 1-HPV-attributed tonsil cancer.

Amid the backdrop of the COVID pandemic, she discovered a lump on her neck and pursued further investigation. She underwent an ultrasound and biopsy, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of Squamous Cell Carcinoma cancer in September 2020.

Navigating through disbelief and shock, Christina embarked on a rigorous treatment regimen comprising tonsil removal, chemotherapy, and radiation. Despite enduring physical hardships such as hair loss, altered taste, and swallowing difficulties exacerbated by COVID-induced isolation during treatments, Christina found solace in the support of her care team and the guidance of a mentor from the Head & Neck Cancer Alliance.

Now, in the monitoring phase of her journey, Christina reflects on her experience as a period of “re-birth,” acknowledging the profound shifts in perspective and priorities. Grateful for each day as a gift, she emphasizes the importance of leaning on others for support and finding resilience amidst life’s adversities.

READ CHRISTINA'S STORY

NEWS & SHORTS

St. Jude Children Research Hospital is hosting a virtual seminar series "Empowering and Strengthening Community, Culture, and Connection to Prevent HPV Cancers," on October 2,

Ada Valdes will be serving as a survivor panelist on "Vacunación Sin Barreras: Addressing HPV Vaccination Inequities and HPV Cancer Disparities in Hispanic and Latino Communities."

The seminar series is scheduled for October 2, 2023, from 1:00 to 2:15 pm ET / 12:00 to 1:15 pm CT. Register here

NEWS: Mouthwash-Based Test May Help Predict Head and Neck Cancer Recurrence
Researchers have examined whether a mouthwash-based test could detect biomarkers to help physicians predict disease recurrence in patients with head and neck cancer

NEWS: Chemotherapy before surgery helps patients with nose and sinus cancer avoid debilitating eye and bone removal.
Results from a clinical trial by the ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group (ECOG-ACRIN) show a striking improvement for patients who received chemotherapy before surgery to remove advanced squamous cell-type cancer of the nose or sinus.
NEWS: Daily marijuana use linked to increased risk of deadly head and neck cancers, study finds
Using marijuana daily for years may raise the overall risk of head and neck cancers three- to five-fold, according to a new study that analyzed millions of medical records.
NEWS: A Comforting Pressure
Research presented at the Oncology Nursing Society Congress in April 2023 suggests a safe and simple option for quelling fears before infusions: weighted blankets.

NEWS: Scientists use exosomes secreted by living cells to successfully target TKI-resistant cancer
In a new study, clinician-scientists and researchers from the National Cancer Center Singapore (NCCS) have demonstrated the use of exosomes to successfully target squamous cell cancer tumors that are usually resistant to epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs).

NEWS: Survey Study Highlights Significant Financial Burden for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Facing Dental Complications
A survey study published in JAMA Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery revealed that the majority of patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer required extensive dental care during their cancer treatment. This dental care imposed a financial burden on 39% of the patients, creating a significant barrier to receiving necessary care.

NEWS: Debunking The Myths: 7 Misconceptions About Head and Neck Cancer You Need to Know
When it comes to head and neck cancer, misconceptions can often cloud our understanding, leading to unnecessary fear and confusion.

NEWS: Larry Miller, a former police reporter for the Philadelphia Tribune, writes about the long and difficult road of recovery from cancer.
As a person of faith, discovering I had cancer was hard. The journey since has been even harder.

THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS!

*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.

Head & Neck Cancer Alliance
PO BOX 21688 | Charleston, South Carolina 29413
866-792-4622 | hello@headandneck.org

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