Living with head and neck cancer

Living with head and neck cancer may not be not easy—but it is possible.

Use all the resources that are available to you. By arming yourself with the latest information on how to cope and by building a great support system, living with cancer can be easier to manage. The information in this section may help you stay on track.

What you’ll find in this section:

Get emotional support.
Head and neck cancer can lead to emotional as well as physical issues. Find out about some techniques that many use when facing head and neck cancer.

Coping with head and neck cancer

Working with your doctors is key.
Your healthcare team is there to help you. Read about ways to help keep the dialogue with them open, and what to remember when visiting the doctor’s office.

Talking with your healthcare team

Communicating clearly with friends and family is also important.
It may not always be easy, but keeping your loved ones up-to-date will help them help you—even young children who may not understand exactly what challenges you’re facing.

Get tips on talking to your loved ones about head and neck cancer

Find information and support for caregivers.
As much a difference as you make in the life of your loved one with head and neck cancer, you can’t forget about your own health.

Caring for someone with head and neck cancer

39 To find the cause of symptoms, a doctor evaluates a person’s medical history, performs a physical examination, and orders diagnostic tests. The exams and tests conducted may vary depending on the symptoms. Examination of a sample of tissue under the microscope is always necessary to confirm a diagnosis of cancer.

Visit The American Cancer Society
Learn what to expect as you and your physician work together to manage pain and other symptoms of head and neck cancer.

Discover Recipes for Living Well
Find delicious recipes and see how tasty healthy eating can be.

Visit MASCC.org
A head and neck cancer diagnosis can mean a shift in finances, which may cause short- and long-term challenges. Read more about this issue and possible resources for patients with head and neck cancer and their families.

Visit Support for People With Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC)
SPOHNC is a patient-directed, self-help organization dedicated to meeting the needs of oral and head and neck cancer patients. SPOHNC, founded in 1991 by an oral cancer survivor, addresses the broad emotional, physical, and humanistic needs of this population.

Visit The American Cancer Society
A head and neck diagnosis may be overwhelming. As you receive treatment, many aspects of your life may be affected. Learn important coping tools to manage your head and neck cancer diagnosis. Also read inspiring stories of hope from others who have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer.