One of the country’s leading specialist surgeons will be among those speaking at an event for head and neck cancer patients in Liverpool later this month.
Professor Simon Rogers, Consultant Head and Neck Cancer Surgeon at Aintree University Hospital, will be speaking at a study day where cancer patients and their carers can discuss their experiences and share their views on how the NHS can improve the support available them.
The event is being hosted by the Head and Neck Cancer Support Group, which was founded by a group of patients in 2004 and has been active in helping to drive patient-focused research over the last 15 years.
The day will include presentations and Q&A sessions with cancer practitioners including surgeons, nurse specialists, dietitians and speech and language therapists.
Prof Rogers said: “It’s really important for us, as healthcare professionals, to listen to the experiences of our patients and learn how we can improve not only the service we provide but also the research agenda. Any form of cancer diagnosis is challenging and head and neck cancers can be particularly difficult, so this event is a really valuable opportunity for us to learn from our patients.
“It’s also an opportunity for us to explain the innovations that are taking place in the treatment of head and neck cancer and to share details of the research and clinical trials that we are taking part in, which will hopefully contribute to improved patient experience in future.”
Mike McGovern, from Bromborough, who is Chair of the group, said: “We set up the support group to allow patients and carers from across Merseyside and Cheshire to meet up, share experiences and support each other. These cancers can have a profound impact on the lives of patients and their families. That’s why we thought it would be really valuable to get professionals, patients and carers in a room together to share the insights they have gained.”
The multi-professional head and neck team based at Aintree University Hospital provides specialist treatment for all of Cheshire, Merseyside and the Isle of Man. The team sees the highest number of new cancer cases in the UK, with rates of head and neck cancer in some areas more than twice the national average.
Head and neck cancer is the general term for a variety of cancers which occur in the lips, mouth, throat, voice box and other structures around the face, eyes, and ears.
The event takes place on from 9am – 4pm on 15th November and is being held at the Foresight Centre, Pembroke Place, University of Liverpool, L3 5QA. For further information, email HaNC.Liverpool@hotmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/HaNCCommunity.
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