World Head and Neck Cancer Day
World Head and Neck Cancer Day is held annually on July 27th with the aim to improve the understanding of head and neck cancer, promote early detection, and increase awareness of the impact head and neck cancers can have on essential functions such as speaking, swallowing, and breathing, as well as appearance and overall quality of life.
The day is an opportunity to highlight the importance of recognising early symptoms and seeking medical assessment promptly, as well as supporting people living with and recovering from head and neck cancer.
What is Head and Neck Cancer?
Head and neck cancer refers to a group of cancers that develop in the tissues and organs of the head and neck region.
This includes cancers affecting the:
- Mouth (oral cavity)
- Throat (pharynx)
- Voice box (larynx)
- Nasal cavity and sinuses
- Salivary glands
- Lips
- Skin of the head and neck region
Most head and neck cancers begin in the squamous cells that line the moist surfaces of these areas. These are known as squamous cell carcinomas. Less commonly, head and neck cancers may arise from salivary glands, lymphoid tissue, or other structures in the region.
Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer
Symptoms can vary depending on the location of the cancer, but common warning signs include:
- A neck lump
- A sore that does not heal
- A red or white patch in the mouth
- Swelling, bleeding, pain or numbness in the face or within the mouth
- Trouble speaking
- Hoarse voice
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- A sore throat that doesn’t get better after a week or two
- Trouble breathing
- Blood in the saliva or phlegm
- Ear or jaw pain that doesn’t go away
- A blocked ear that doesn’t clear
- Problems with dentures
- Loose teeth
- A persistent blocked nose
- Frequent nose bleeds
- A bulging or watery eye
- Problems seeing e.g. double vision
- Unexplained weight loss
Many of these symptoms can also be caused by less serious conditions, but if they persist for more than three weeks, medical assessment is strongly recommended; early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Risk Factors for Head and Neck Cancer
Several factors are known to increase the risk of developing head and neck cancer:
- Tobacco use (including smoking and smokeless tobacco)
- Alcohol consumption, particularly heavy or long-term use
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, especially for oropharyngeal cancers
- Prolonged sun exposure, particularly for lip cancers
- Poor oral hygiene and dental health
- Age, with most cases occurring over 40 years
- Male sex (higher incidence in men)
- Previous radiation exposure to the head or neck region
Importantly, head and neck cancer can still occur in people without any obvious risk factors.
Advances in Treatment and Survival
Treatment for head and neck cancer often involves a combination of:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy or immunotherapy (in selected cases)
Survival rates have improved, particularly when cancers are detected early. However, treatment can impact nearby structures involved in speech, swallowing, breathing, movement and lymphatic drainage. This makes survivorship care and rehabilitation essential components of recovery.
Life After Treatment: The Ongoing Impact
Many people assume recovery ends once treatment is completed. In reality, side effects can continue or develop months to years later.
Common long-term effects of head and neck cancer treatment include:
- Head and neck lymphoedema (swelling)
- Radiation fibrosis (tissue tightness and scarring)
- Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
- Jaw stiffness (trismus)
- Changes in speech
- Shoulder/neck dysfunction
- Fatigue and reduced stamina
- Postural changes
These effects can significantly impact eating, speaking, social interaction and return to work or desired activities.
The Importance of Awareness
World Head and Neck Cancer Day highlights the importance of:
- Early recognition of symptoms
- Timely diagnosis
- Survivorship care
- Rehabilitation access
- Long-term quality of life after treatment
Increasing awareness ensures people not only survive head and neck cancer but live well after treatment.
How Hunter Rehab Hub Can Help
At Hunter Rehab Hub, we provide specialised physiotherapy care for people affected by head and neck cancer. Our physiotherapist has undertaken advanced education through the ALERT (Australian Lymphoedema Education, Research and Treatment) Centre, qualifying as a Head and Neck Lymphoedema Practitioner. This specialised training enables the delivery of comprehensive, evidence-based rehabilitation for people experiencing lymphoedema and other treatment-related complications following head and neck cancer.
Our services include management of lymphoedema, scar tissue, radiation fibrosis, reduced mobility, and functional limitations affecting the head, neck and shoulders. We also provide tailored exercise prescription and long-term self-management strategies. Our goal is to support recovery, improve function, and enhance quality of life.
Key Takeaways
World Head and Neck Cancer Day is a powerful reminder that early detection saves lives, but recovery doesn’t necessarily end when treatment finishes. Head and neck cancer and its treatment can have lasting effects on swallowing, speaking, breathing, eating, movement, appearance, and overall quality of life. Recognising symptoms early, seeking prompt medical assessment, and accessing specialised rehabilitation services can make a significant difference to long-term outcomes.
With the right support, many people can regain function, manage treatment-related side effects, and return to the activities that matter most to them. Physiotherapy plays an important role in helping people address challenges such as lymphoedema, radiation-induced fibrosis, scar tissue, trismus, reduced neck and shoulder mobility, pain, and fatigue, empowering them to recover with confidence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing ongoing symptoms following head and neck cancer treatment, specialised rehabilitation can help improve function, independence, and quality of life. You don’t have to navigate recovery alone.
Reach out to our team on 0480 604 578 or email hello@hunterrehabhub.com.au to learn more about our head and neck cancer rehabilitation services, or book an initial appointment via our online booking system linked below.
References
Cancer Council Australia. (2024). Head and neck cancers: Overview and risk factors. https://www.cancer.org.au
Clinical Oncology Society of Australia. (2018). Position statement on exercise in cancer care.
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). (2020). Global cancer statistics and head and neck cancer epidemiology. https://www.iarc.who.int
National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). (2024). Head and Neck Cancers Clinical Practice Guidelines. https://www.nccn.org
International Society of Lymphology. (2023). The diagnosis and treatment of peripheral lymphedema: Consensus document.
Deng, J. et al. (2012). Impact of secondary lymphedema after head and neck cancer treatment. Head & Neck, 35(7), 1026–1035.
Smith, B. G., & Lewin, J. S. (2010). Lymphedema management in head and neck cancer. Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, 18(3), 153–158.
Disclaimer
This content is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for individualised medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have concerns about your symptoms or health, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
