Head & Neck Cancer Support Network Trust Community News
We hope this newsletter finds you in good health. We are excited to share some updates from the Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust that highlight the growth of our community and upcoming events.
We are thrilled to kick off 2024 with some fantastic news - the launch of our brand-new website!
🌐 Introducing www.headandneck.org.nz
After months of hard work and dedication, we are delighted to unveil our revamped online home, www.headandneck.org.nz. This website is designed with you in mind, aiming to provide a user-friendly experience, valuable resources, and a sense of community for those affected by head and neck cancer.
Key Features of Our New Website:
User-Friendly Navigation: Explore our website effortlessly with an intuitive layout and easy-to-navigate menus. Find the information you need quickly and efficiently.
Comprehensive Resources: Access a wealth of information, including articles, guides, and multimedia resources, offering support and insights throughout the head and neck cancer journey.
Community Hub: Connect with others who understand your experience through our Facebook group The Explorers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/headnecknz
Upcoming Events: Stay informed about upcoming events, support group meetings, and educational sessions. Our events calendar will keep you updated on opportunities to connect with fellow heads and neckers and caregivers.
Get Involved: Discover ways to get involved with our organisation, whether through volunteering, fundraising, or spreading awareness. Your participation makes a meaningful impact on our community.
Latest Research and News: Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in head and neck cancer research and news. Knowledge is power, and we aim to empower you with the most recent information.
We invite you to explore the website, engage with the community, and make the most of the resources available. Your feedback is invaluable to us as we continue to enhance and expand our online presence.
⛯ New Explorers Joining Our Community!
A warm welcome to the five new individuals who have recently joined our community Facebook page, "The Explorers". Your presence enriches our network, bringing diverse experiences and perspectives. We encourage everyone to engage, share stories, and offer support as we navigate this journey together.
📆 Save the Date: Rare Disease Day on 29 February 2024
As we look ahead, mark your calendars for Rare Disease Day on February 29th. This day serves as an important reminder of the unique challenges faced by those of us with rare diseases, including certain types of head and neck cancers.
In our ongoing effort to provide you and your whānau and friends with support and information, it's crucial we explore the intricate connections between head and neck cancer and rare disorders. While head and neck cancer itself is relatively uncommon, its intersection with rare disorders adds another layer of complexity to the journey of those affected.
The interplay between these conditions demands a nuanced understanding, as patients may encounter unique challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and overall care. By working with Rare Disorders New Zealand we aim to shed light on the lesser-known aspects of head and neck cancer, fostering a deeper awareness within our community.
Let's join hands in raising awareness, advocating for research, and fostering a supportive environment for everyone affected by these conditions.
🌺 March: HPV Awareness Month
March is also HPV Awareness Month, shedding light on the importance of understanding and preventing human papillomavirus (HPV), a known risk factor for certain head and neck cancers. Stay tuned for informative content, events, and resources throughout the month to help raise awareness about HPV and its implications for head and neck health.
🌲 Healthy Living Tips
HEAD AND NECK CANCER OUTREACH: FREE WEBINAR SERIES
Eating Socially Following Treatment
Head and Neck Cancer Australia's FREE Webinars are designed to educate, inform and support people living with Head and Neck Cancer and their families and friends, but everyone is welcome to join whether you're a patient, carer, friend or healthcare professional.
Listen to guest speakers Joanne Hiatt, a Dietitian at Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital and former HNC patient, Yvonne McClaren, talk about social eating following treatment for Head and Neck Cancer.
https://youtu.be/hFCLVjdDfrY?si=aec3zAdm6nVvqRjz
🗞️ News: International Head and Neck Cancer
We know that you and your whānau and friends, who share your journey, want to have access to the latest reliable information on head and neck cancer treatment advances. We have created a catalogue of new developments for you to view. We will keep adding to this resources as time goes on. Please feel free to share, as there is much advancement in treatments and hope.
Flamingo doses first subject in Phase II head and neck carcinoma trial
The international trial, conducted in multiple centres across the UK, the US, and Korea, compares the safety and efficacy of the danvatirsen and pembrolizumab combination against pembrolizumab monotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expressing tumours.
www.headandneck.org.nz//international-news/flamingo
💬 Member Chat
This month’s member chat is from our acting Chair, Diana Ayling.
🌟 Walking Together: Supporting Our Community Through Head and Neck Cancer Journeys
Kia ora to our wonderful community members!
Today, we want to shine a light on the incredible strength and resilience found within our circles, especially when faced with the challenges of head and neck cancer. In our journey to provide support and understanding, we've noticed a beautiful network forming—family members and friends who stand unwaveringly beside their loved ones affected by this diagnosis.
Many times, these compassionate individuals reach out to us, seeking guidance and support upon learning about a recent diagnosis. The emotions they experience are profound—shock, concern, and a yearning for knowledge. It's not uncommon for them to be stepping into a realm they never anticipated, with little or no prior experience with head and neck cancer.
In recognising this vital need, we've observed the power of good-quality information in easing the journey for both patients and their support systems. Understanding the intricacies of the condition, available treatments, and the essential aspects of care and support becomes a lifeline. Just like the recently diagnosed individuals, these family members and friends require reliable resources to navigate this uncharted territory.
Here's where our collective strength as a community comes into play. We are thrilled to introduce our new website, designed with a singular purpose—to provide a beacon of support not only for the patients but also for their cherished companions. We understand that knowledge is a powerful tool, and by empowering family members and friends with accurate information, we can collectively make more informed decisions in managing head and neck cancer.
Our website is more than just a platform; it's a virtual companion that walks beside patients, their whānau, and friends as they navigate the unique journey of head and neck cancer. We believe that everyone involved deserves the best resources and assistance to face this challenge head-on.
Let's continue to support each other, learn together, and ensure that no one walks alone on this journey. Together, we are a source of strength, understanding, and hope for those affected by head and neck cancer. Thank you for being an essential part of our supportive community!
🫶🏽 Community Resources
If you are new to head and neck cancer, or back in treatment, we have a support pack for you. You can find all the details here. https://www.headandneck.org.nz/patient-planner
🫶🏽 Contact us
We welcome contact from our head and neck cancer community, including whānau and friends. Please feel welcome at any of these contact points. https://www.headandneck.org.nz/contact-us
🌟 Our Wish for You
As we embark on these initiatives and celebrate our growing community, we extend our warmest wishes to every one of you. Your strength, resilience, and support continue to inspire us, and together, we are making a difference in the lives of those affected by head and neck cancer.
Let's continue to support each other, learn together, and ensure that no one walks alone in this journey. Together, we are a source of strength, understanding, and hope for those affected by head and neck cancer. Thank you for being an essential part of our supportive community!
Head and Neck Cancer Support Network Trust
