Raising Awareness and Promoting Equity in Head and Neck Cancer Care

As part of this year’s Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Week, the European Cancer Organisation (ECO) is proud to collaborate with the Make Sense Campaign in advocating for better access to cancer care across Europe. This year’s theme, 'Equal Access, Equal Care: Uniting Europe Against Head and Neck Cancer', emphasises the need for progress in prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers. It also spotlights the need for more equitable care across Europe and what we can do to improve awareness of the signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer.

The Make Sense Campaign, together with our friends at the European Head and Neck Society, is conducting a vital research project to understand care practices for head and neck cancer in various countries, including Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Bulgaria. This research will identify gaps in care and provide actionable insights to improve standards across Europe. The findings will be shared in a dedicated event next March, highlighting the importance of equity in cancer care.

ECO’s involvement in this campaign underscores our commitment to eliminate disparities in healthcare, raise awareness and promote effective preventative measures against cancers caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.

According to the Make Sense Campaign survey, 73% of participants were unaware of the symptoms, and 60% of people with head and neck cancer were diagnosed with locally advanced disease. Greater public awareness on the signs, symptoms, and risks – along with the importance of vaccinating against HPV – is crucial for better prevention, earlier diagnosis, and a successful prognosis.

This year, we’re also excited to announce our collaboration with the Croatian Initiative Against Cancers Caused by HPV, advocating for the importance of improving vaccination rates, raising awareness, and enhancing early detection methods across Croatia and throughout Europe. Find their latest recommendations here:  English Version / Croatian Version.

Join us in our mission to support best practices in early detection and eliminate HPV-caused cancers by promoting public awareness and best public health practices. Register for the final Showcase Event of PROTECT-EUROPE, the flagship EU4Health project championing gender-neutral vaccination programmes to provide protection for everyone.

Read these HPV testimonies from former and current cancer patients and learn how to identify early signs of head and neck cancers here.