Living with Head and Neck Cancer

Learning to live with head and neck cancer is not easy, however, armed with the latest information on research clinical trials, treatment options, as well as how to manage side effects and surrounding yourself with a strong support system will help provide some relief when trying to manage the disease.

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Symptom Management/Managing Recurrence

Symptom Management/Managing Recurrence after Treatment

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.

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Diet and Exercise

Maintaining an Active Lifestyle and Nutritional Changes

Visit: The American Cancer Society
A head and neck cancer diagnosis requires extra care and consideration regarding diet and exercise. Access healthy recipes and learn how your nutritional needs will vary before, during and after treatment.

Visit: MASCC.org
Learn information on supportive care and cancer.

Visit: National Cancer Institute
Some people who have had treatment for cancer of the larynx may lose their interest in food. Soreness and changes in smell and taste may make eating difficult. Yet good nutrition is important

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Money Matters

The Costs of Cancer 

Visit: The American Cancer Society
A head and neck cancer diagnosis can mean a shift in finances, which may cause short and/or long term challenges. Read more about this issue and possible resources for head and neck cancer patients and their families.

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Coping

Dealing With Your Own Cancer Diagnosis

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 that have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer.

With a Loved One's Cancer Diagnosis

Visit: The American Cancer Society
Having a difficult time determining what to say to a loved one who was just diagnosed with head and neck cancer or how to support them? Learn what it means to be a “co-survivor” and find the support you need to help a loved one fight this disease.

Visit: National Cancer Institute
Managing side effects and complications caused by cancer and its treatment can be difficult. Learn more on how to cope with the side effects.

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Additional Resources

Cancer Care

800-813-HOPE (4673)
www.cancercare.org

A nonprofit agency devoted to offering professional services to people of all ages, with all types of cancer, at any stage of the disease. The Cancer Care mission is to provide free professional help to people with all cancers through counseling, education, information, and referral, and direct financial assistance.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance

888-477-2669
www.pparx.org

This web site for patients, caregivers, and loved ones provides information about government-supported and private patient assistance programs. Visitors can search a database of more than 1400 prescription drugs that are provided free of charge by over 200 patient assistance programs across the United States.

Cancer Information Service

800-4-CANCER (422-6237)
cis.nci.nih.gov

Free public service of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the nation's primary agency for cancer research.

National Self-Help Clearinghouse

212-817-1822
www.selfhelpweb.org

A not-for-profit organization founded to facilitate access to self-help groups and increase awareness of the importance of mutual support.

Oncology Tools

www.fda.gov/cder/cancer

A service of the US Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. Information related to cancer and approved cancer drug therapies as well as reference tools and a patient liaison program.

People Living With Cancer

703-797-1914
www.plwc.org

A service of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). Updates on research and clinical trials, information on side-effects management, caregiver issues, and the needs of the newly diagnosed.

The Wellness Community

888-793-WELL (9355)
www.thewellnesscommunity.org

Professionally led support groups, educational workshops, and mind/body classes utilizing the Patient Active Concept. Free services in local communities nationwide, and in Japan and Israel.

Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer

Visit: www.mascc.org

International, multidisciplinary organization dedicated to research and education in all aspects of supportive care for people with cancer regardless of stage of their disease.

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