HEAD & NECK

Receiving a diagnosis of head or neck cancer is difficult and often overwhelming, both for the patient and for family and friends. Thankfully, there is a wide range of resources designed to help during this difficult time. From books to support groups, there are a number of ways to find information and assistance. It’s up to you to decide what works best for you and to make the most of the available resources. If you cannot find what you need, ask your parents, relatives, counselor, therapist, support group or friends for advice and recommendations. Those who have experienced situations similar to yours are likely to have reliable resources to recommend.

Online resources

There is a wealth of information available online to support cancer patients and their loved ones. Governmental departments and notable cancer organizations can be first-rate sources of information about the medical details of cancer. These respected groups have years of experience translating complicated scientific research and medical facts for patients and family members. The following websites from trusted organizations may be used to supplement information shared in the Head & Neck Cancer Guide:

• National Cancer Institute
• American Cancer Society
• American Institute for Cancer Research
• American Society of Clinical Oncology
• CancerCare
• International Association of Laryngectomees
• LiveStrong
• MD Anderson Cancer Center
• National Cancer Institute- Find treatment facility
• Chemocare.com

Cancer advocacy groups promote research and awareness while providing advice on how to navigate the complexities of cancer. These organizations can also be a good start if you are interested in becoming involved in advocating for cancer awareness and research:

• SPOHNC (Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer)
• American Cancer Society Action Network
• Head and Neck Cancer Alliance
• National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship
• Oral Cancer Foundation
• Skin Cancer Foundation

Caregiving for head and neck cancer patients is an important part of cancer treatment and can be very challenging. The following websites provide detailed caregiving advice and can empower caregivers with tools to provide the best level of support:

• CancerCare
• Caregiver Resources from the American Cancer Society
• Caregiver Resources from the National Cancer Institute
• Family Caregiver Alliance
• Caregiver Action Network
• National Family Caregivers Association
  

Head or neck cancer in the family can have a profound impact on children. If you have young siblings, you may find yourself in the position of being a major source of information and support for them during this difficult time. Explaining these matters to children and supporting them emotionally can be difficult. These websites provide detailed information about helping children understand and cope with the changes that come along with diagnosis, treatment and recovery:

• Helping Children When a Family Member Has Cancer from the American Cancer Society
• Helping Children Understand Cancer from CancerCare
• Kids Connected
• Telling Kids About Cancer
• When Your Parent Has Cancer: A Guide for Teens from the National Cancer Institute

Support groups

Support groups can be a valuable place to talk through your experiences and fears with others going through similar experiences. For some teens whose loved ones have head and neck cancer, the emotional support provided by a community that intimately understands the trials of cancer can be helpful. Ask your parents or a counselor to help you find a support group for teens who have someone close to them with cancer. The American Cancer Society and Cancer Support Community (formerly known as “Gilda’s Club”) are two good places to start looking.

Books

Some books recommended for teens who have a loved one with cancer include the following:

• My Parent Has Cancer and It Really Sucks
• Caring for a Loved One with Cancer
• Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings: When Someone You Love Has Cancer
• Talk4Hope Family Book Series

Glossary

A diagnosis of head and neck cancer can often mean an introduction to a new world of cancer-related phrases and terminology. The Head & Neck Cancer Guide’s glossary will provide the definitions of terms related to head and neck cancer, its diagnosis and treatment.