Head and Neck Cancer is not widely understood by the public which often results in
delays in treatment. The ‘head and neck‘ region includes the nose, mouth, throat, voice
box, thyroid and salivary glands. Many patients visit their surgery or go to the chemist
with problems which may include hoarse voice, throat discomfort, neck lumps, mouth
ulcers and difficulty swallowing. In some patients, these symptoms will be caused by a
‘head and neck cancer’. They will usually be sent to a hospital for investigations.
In the last year in England. 228,482 patients were sent to a specialist with suspected head and
neck cancer, making it the fifth largest group of suspected cancer referrals.
The vast majority (95%) of these patients are found to be cancer-free, but about 5% of
patients will have a head and neck cancer. However, due to the various types of cancer
which can affect the head and neck, there is often a need to conduct a variety of tests.
The project is designed to work with patients and other interested parties to create a
new way to deal with suspected head and neck cancer cases, based around the patient
and their symptoms. In the new system, the hospital will contact the patient soon after
they are told of the possibility of cancer. The patients, with the help of their family
and/or carers, will be asked to complete an electronic questionnaire about their
symptoms using a smartphone, tablet, computer or automated phone call, if they are
able to do so. The hospital specialist will look at all the answers and advise the best
treatment before the patient comes to hospital. The new system will highlight higher-
risk patients who may have tests before being seen in the hospital. Patients who are at a
lower risk should not have to have unnecessary tests before being told they do not have
head and neck cancer. We will compare this new system to the existing system to make
certain that it is safe and finds all cancer cases. When Head and Neck cancers are found
quicker, patients are treated earlier. This will lead to less patients having to have major
surgery or unpleasant treatments.
