A dry mouth is one of the most common complications during and after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer1. You might not produce as much saliva as before, making your mouth dry2. It can take six months or longer after radiation therapy ends for the salivary glands to start producing saliva again3. We have sourced a list of websites and blogs available to support Head and Neck Cancer, that we think might be helpful.
The Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Group
Like-minded cancer patients formed the Swallows to support fellow sufferers and their carers who have difficulties swallowing because of head and neck cancers4. They offer a 24/7 support line for patients and carers via phone and email. On the website, there are support services covering insurance, mistakes in dental treatment and medical mistakes. The resources section has patient stories, helpful books and documents and useful links. They also host a networking conference (virtual and in-person) that brings together Health Professionals, Patients, Caregivers and Survivors of Head & Neck Cancers.
http://Homepage – The Swallows
Head and Neck Cancer Foundation
The Head and Neck Cancer Foundation is a charity foundation that has been built to drive awareness for and the adoption of ground-breaking head and neck cancer treatment 5. There are patient-friendly recipes, information on the types of treatment available, and up-to-date information on medicines on the website. Professor Mark McGurk discusses the most at-risk areas for developing head and neck cancers and how you can best identify any indication of these. They have a support group on Facebook, providing a community of Head and Neck Cancer Patients supporting each other.
Cancer Support Community
The Cancer Support Community are advocates that people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community 6. Their website is filled with helpful information for patients at every stage (newly diagnosed, in-treatment, beyond treatment) and for caregivers.
They have created a virtual home with different rooms offering support. ‘The kitchen’ provides healthy recipes, and ‘Mind-Body Studio’ includes yoga lessons, meditation and gentle exercises designed to the needs of people impacted with cancer. The ‘Support Room’ has free psychosocial resources and support 7.
You can have a personalised dashboard on their website by completing the survey. This enables you to pick your fundamental interests and how the Cancer Support Community can help with your diagnosis, personalising what is of interest and specific to you.
The Cancer Support Community offers an online group called MyLifeLine8. This supports patients and caregivers to connect, helping reduce anxiety, stress, and loneliness by being a community.
If you enjoy podcasts, The Cancer Support Community also produces a podcast called ‘Frankly Speaking About Cancer’ 9, which covers topics from ‘Nutrition with Head and Neck Cancer’ and ‘Don’t let Cancer steal your joy’.
https://www.cancersupportcommunity.org/
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/frankly-speaking-about-cancer-with-the-cancer/id419668327
Chris’s Cancer Community Blog
Chris decided to start this website due to a lack of a support system for cancer patients, and now it is the most prevalent cancer blog in the UK 10. On the website, you can expect to read about Chris’ own experience, and as an advocate speaker, there are links to multiple interviews, podcasts, and video chats with Chris. A blog section is available with various topics, from Head and Neck patient stories to general support and advice on navigating your new life while finding success and hope.
https://www.chris-cancercommunity.com/
Head and Neck Cancer Alliance
The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance collaborates with health professionals, organisations, and survivors to enhance the effort to prevent, treat, and detect cancers of the head and neck region11. On the website is a ‘Peer-to-peer’ programme that encourages patients, survivors, or caregivers, to connect and receive support 12. Survivor webinars are available where you can watch their stories and read the HNCA blog with various topics covered. Educational videos are available that focus on different subjects to help head and neck cancer patients understand what to expect before, during and after treatment and tips on managing side effects from treatment.
If you would like to find out more about how can Salivix help with dry mouth, please find out more or contact us.
