April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month.

Where can cancer develop in the head and neck? There are more than 30 areas where cancer develop (1)

1 Head and neck cancer - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

There are around 12,000 new cases of head and neck cancer each year in the UK. (2)

2 Head and neck cancers incidence statistics | Cancer Research UK

The cancer research team in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary are taking part in a several head and neck cancer studies. 6 are currently recruiting patients. Dr Rafael Moleron is a specialist in head & neck cancers. He is enthusiastic about research and is leading these studies locally. We have interviewed him last year. You can find the playlist on our YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkukZgs1F4NrVOjJ8J3NVQLPKnIUCAtjh

Our team is also taking part in the CompARE trial. This is UK wide trial, supported by Cancer Research UK and more information can be found on the Cancer Research UK website. The study has recently completed recruitment and is now in the follow up phase. With almost 800 participants, CompARE one of the largest head and neck trials to ever have been undertaken both in the UK and internationally. Since becoming open for participants to join in March 2016, the research team in Aberdeen have recruited 52 participants. This is a fantastic achievement for the local team and the trial. The study is comparing different treatments for people who have intermediate or high risk oropharyngeal cancer (the part of the throat just behind the mouth).

We also want to say a big thanks to all the participants who have been involved in our studies.