Springtime News for HNC Patients and Their Families
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Spring weather is right around the corner. Warmer temperatures and new growth are reminders that we always have something to look forward to, even during hard times. From daffodils adding a pop of yellow to the bleak late winter landscape to birds singing in the trees, it’s important to find hope in hard times. We hope that these inspirational and educational stories will give you something to look forward to this spring.
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Parsing the Genetic Drivers of Head and Neck Cancers
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While many people are now aware of the connection between HPV and some types of head and neck cancer, new research is delving into genetic factors that could influence your risk. By pinpointing genes and other genetic factors that increase the likelihood of developing HNC, early treatment could be a possibility for thousands of patients.
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Immune checkpoint therapy has undergone a tremendous amount of progress in the past few years, but some patients with head and neck cancer still experience increased drug resistance. By developing a deeper understanding of how genetic differences can lead to head and neck cancers, the scientists hope to uncover new ways to make immune checkpoint inhibitors more effective to save more lives.
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What Is HPV-Type Throat Cancer, and How Can It Be Prevented?
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The HNC diagnosis of the high-profile tennis champion Martina Navratilova is shining a light on the HPV-type variants of the disease. Many people associate HPV with cervical cancer, but cancers of the throat are actually the most prevalent HPV-related cancers, and they are primarily seen in men. In fact, HPV is linked to almost 70% of all throat cancers. Women are routinely tested for HPV when they have Pap smears and other reproductive health screenings, but there is no routine screening currently for oral HPV infections.
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Because HPV infection is symptomatic, it’s important to understand your risk level. If you do not already have HPV, getting the HPV vaccine is your best defense against HPV infection and HPV-related cancers. As long as the vaccine is given before your exposure to the virus, you can experience protection against over 90% of all HPV-related cancers. Children can be vaccinated as young as 11, but a growing number of adults are getting the vaccine.
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Barbara “Cookie” Kerxton Turning Fear Into Philanthropy: Courage Unmasked
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This article details the journey of our founder, Cookie Kerxton, and her head and neck cancer journey. While she never set out to become an advocate for patients with HNC and their families, her personal experience and a chance encounter with Diane Rehm encouraged her to visit a doctor. After her diagnosis of throat cancer, Cookie became familiar with the intimidating white mesh masks that are molded to the face during treatment.
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Cookie was inspired by the masks and sought to turn them into something more beautiful. After reaching out to friends in the art community, Cookie was able to get HNC treatment masks customized so that they could be auctioned off to raise money for HNC patients. Today, Courage Unmasked has evolved into an annual can’t-miss event.
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Help Us Help Head and Neck Cancer Patients
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911 4 HNC relies on your kind donations to help head and neck cancer patients receive the treatment that they need to survive and thrive. If you found the research and information in this newsletter to be useful and want to help us reach even more patients and families, please consider making a donation or purchasing some of our merchandise. Don’t forget to follow our updates on Facebook to keep up with the latest HNC news.
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