A UK-wide study into the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers is set to launch, with the specialist charity Get A-Head pledging £40,000 towards the project. The initiative, which aims to address inconsistencies in care, will evaluate existing data to identify areas in need of improvement across the country.
With over 12,500 cases of head and neck cancer diagnosed annually in the UK and patient numbers increasing by 30% per decade, there is currently no large-scale audit of how the disease is diagnosed or treated. The new two-year feasibility study, costing £270,000, will investigate whether the National Cancer Registration Dataset (NCRD) can be used to examine disparities in treatment and patient outcomes.
Danni Heath, Director of Birmingham-based Get A-Head, emphasised the need for the project: “Without understanding the current landscape, it’s difficult to know where improvements are most needed. I’m delighted that Get A-Head can contribute to this vital research.”
Heath added, “Head and neck cancers can be particularly distressing due to the visible and practical effects of treatment, such as facial scarring, loss of speech, and difficulties with eating and drinking. Our hope is that this study will highlight ways to improve the quality of life for patients across the UK.”
The study will be led by Professor Thomas Cowling from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. It will analyse NCRD data to assess differences in outcomes based on location, NHS trust, and treatment combinations. The study will also look at how factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and socioeconomic background affect care.
The project has garnered support from several medical bodies and charities, including ENT UK, the British Association of Head & Neck Oncologists, and North West Cancer Research. Get A-Head is part of a coalition of organisations that back the research, which also includes Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK. Tamara Kahn, CEO of Oracle, said the study is critical in addressing the long-standing challenges faced by patients.
“The recent news that head and neck cancers have the longest treatment waiting times highlights the need for urgent action,” Kahn said. “This review will provide essential data to identify where improvements are needed and how they can be implemented. The goal is to ensure that no matter where a patient is treated, they receive the best possible care.”
The audit will focus on four main objectives: developing performance indicators for diagnostic procedures, assessing variations in care across regions and patient groups, identifying areas with the most potential for improvement, and evaluating the feasibility of expanding research to less common head and neck cancer sites.
Get A-Head, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, has been dedicated to improving the lives of patients through various initiatives. These include funding life-changing equipment not available on the NHS, supporting complementary therapies, and providing training for healthcare professionals. The charity also plays a key role in funding research into the causes and treatments of head and neck cancers.
As head and neck cancers continue to rise in the UK, this project aims to pave the way for more consistent and effective care, ultimately improving outcomes for thousands of patients. For more information about Get A-Head, including how to get involved in events, visit www.getahead.org.uk/
