Mouth and oropharyngeal cancer resources
There are lots of organisations, support groups, books, videos and other resources to help you cope with mouth and oropharyngeal cancer and treatment.
Cancer Research UK information and support
Cancer Research UK is the largest cancer research organisation in the world outside the USA. We fund research on all aspects of cancer from its causes to prevention and treatment.
We are committed to producing high quality information for people affected by cancer. As well as looking at the information on this website you can call our nurse freephone helpline on 0808 800 4040. They are available from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Or you can send them a question online.
Cancer Chat is our online forum where you can share experiences.
Mouth and oropharyngeal support organisations
Changing Faces provide support and information for people who have any form of facial disfigurement including disfigurement caused by cancer. They also provide a skin camouflage service for people in England and Scotland. Trained volunteers teach people how to apply specialist cover creams.
Phone: 0300 0120 275 (support and advice line)
Head office email: info@changingfaces.org.uk
The contact details for the skin camouflage service are:
Phone: 0300 0120 276
Email: skincam@changingfaces.org.uk
This UK charity has been set up by cancer specialists and people affected by head and neck cancer. They aim to raise awareness about head and neck cancer, provide information and advice, and act as a voice for people with head and neck cancer and their families. Their website also has stories from people with head and neck cancer.
This UK organisation for people with facial disfigurement offers:
- telephone support
- a service to link up people in similar situations
- dietary and medical advice
- social activities
- resources and a newsletter
Mouth Cancer Foundation is a charity that supports people affected by head and neck cancer. Its website has information about mouth, throat and other head and neck cancers. The website also has a forum and information on local support groups.
Tel: 01924 950 950 (Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm)
NALC works with 60 UK clubs and communicates with groups in Europe and beyond. They encourage crucial non-medical help and information that comes from the experience of people living with a laryngectomy.
Suite 16
Tempo House
15 Falcon Road
London SW11 2PJ
Tel: 020 7730 8585
Email: info@laryngectomy.org.uk
This UK based charity works to improve standards of mouth care. Their website has good information on cancer and caring for your mouth.
The Oral Health Foundation was called the British Dental Health Foundation until 2016.
Salivary Gland Cancer UK is a charity for those with rare salivary gland cancers such as adenoid cystic carcinoma. The charity organise regular networking meetings for those affected (in person or via zoom). The website includes information about treatment, how to cope and patient stories.
Saving Faces is funding education and research to improve medical treatment and support for people after facial surgery.
Sometimes it can be helpful to talk to someone who has been in a similar situation. Saving Faces can put you in touch with other people who have had facial surgery.
Phone: 020 3417 7757
Email: info@savingfaces.co.uk
SPOHNC is an American organisation with a support network for people with head and neck cancers. They have a survivor to survivor network and some useful information, including clinical trials and products that may be helpful if you've had a head and neck cancer.
The Swallows is a UK charity set up to help support people affected by head and neck cancer. Their website has information about head and neck cancer, what support is available and patient stories. They hold monthly meetings and have a patient and carer support line. They also have an online forum where you can share experiences.
Support line: 07504 725059
Email: info@theswallows.org.uk
The Throat Cancer Foundation offers support and advice to anyone affected by throat cancer. Providing access to the most up to date information regarding their illness, the available treatments, and what to expect in recovery.
Phone - 0203 4754 065
email - hello@throatcancerfoundation.org
The Young Tongues is a peer to peer support group made up of young people who have been diagnosed with tongue cancer or a cancer diagnosis that involves similar treatment. They have in person and virtual meet ups. The website has a sign up sheet to complete to join the group.
General support organisations
Macmillan Cancer Support is a charity that gives practical, medical and financial support to people with cancer in the UK. Its helpline gives guidance on cancer and advice on benefits. It also publishes booklets about cancer and treatments. Information is available in other languages.
Freephone: 0808 808 00 00 (7 days a week, 8am to 8pm)
Contact email form
They provide a non-judgemental listening service for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.
Telephone: 116 123 (free 24-hour helpline)
Organisations for help with cutting down on alcohol
Alcohol is one of the main risk factors for mouth and oesophageal cancers. There are many organisations to help you reduce or stop drinking alcohol.
A free self-help group. Its 12-step programme involves getting sober with the help of regular face-to-face and online support groups.
Telephone: 0800 917 7650 (24-hour helpline)
Alcohol Change UK is a national charity that can help you to find resources in your area for issues with alcohol. They work for a society that is free from the harm caused by alcohol.
Tel: 020 3907 8480
The NHS offers information and support if you are concerned about your alcohol intake or you know someone who may need help.
There is information on the website about where to find support in your area.
Organisations for help with stopping smoking
ASH is a portal for tobacco policies. It is a campaigning public health charity that is trying to stop the harm caused by tobacco.
Quit smoking is an NHS website dedicated to helping people stop smoking. The website has information on how to quit smoking, as well as information on the NHS Quit smoking app.
Healthtalk.org
Provides free, reliable information about health issues including mental health, by sharing people's real-life experiences.
Find local cancer information and support near you
There are organisations and support in your local area that you can access. You can ask your specialist nurse or doctor for more information about cancer services near you.
England
The NHS website has a service that tells you about local information and support in England.
Scotland
NHS Inform gives information about illness, treatments and NHS services for people in Scotland.
Wales
NHS 111 Wales gives health advice and information for people living in Wales.
Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland Cancer Network (NICaN) website tells you where to find cancer information and support in Northern Ireland.
