The NICRCF Head and Neck Cancer Subgroup facilitates Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) in Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) research in Northern Ireland and beyond. The subgroup helps build relationships and meaningful partnership with those working in HNC research. This enhances research, shapes research priorities and develops head and neck cancer PPI leadership.
As a subgroup of the NICRCF, the Head and Neck Cancer Subgroup is linked to, and administered by, the NI Cancer Trials Network (NICTN). The Subgroup is also supported by head and neck cancer researchers from the Ulster University (UU) and Queen’s University Belfast (QUB).
Core members of the subgroup are people affected by head and neck cancer, interested in influencing and contributing to cancer research in Northern Ireland.
Working with the NICRCF Head and Neck Cancer Subgroup
If you are a cancer researcher interested in working with the Head and Neck Cancer Subgroup, please contact Aileen Major, NICTN Cancer Research PPI and Engagement Manager at PPIECancerResearch@belfasttrust.hscni.net
Joining the NICRCF Head and Neck Cancer Subgroup
If you are a member of the public affected by head and neck cancer looking for more information about becoming a member of the Head and Neck Cancer Subgroup click here.
Inaugural meeting of the Head and Neck Cancer NICRCF Subgroup, October 2023
NICRCF Subgroup and Queen’s University Belfast host “Reels, Research and Partnership” event to share their PPI in research activities.
Two years after the Head and Neck Cancer Subgroup was established its members wanted to share their work with the public. In partnership with researchers from local universities a public event “Reels, Research and Partnership” took place at Queen’s Film Theatre in March 2026. The afternoon brought the local head and neck cancer community together to celebrate and share the learning.
Someone diagnosed with Head and Neck Cancer every day in NI
There is an increasing number of Head and Neck Cancer cases in NI* and, on average, someone is diagnosed every day. Between 2009 – 2020 Head and Neck Cancer survival did not improve* and research plays a vital role in discovering better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
Members of the NICRCF Head and Neck Cancer Subgroup know first-hand the impact of cancer and they have joined forces with local researchers to co-produce a series of videos to help raise public awareness during April – Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month.
David Rodgers, Patient Advocate, Co-Chair of the Head and Neck Cancer Subgroup, leads panel discussion at ‘Reels Research and Partnership,’ event in Queen’s Film Theatre, 27 March 2026
David Rodgers, Patient Advocate and Co-Chair of the Subgroup, describes his experience; ‘It started with an ulcer on the left side of my tongue, initially small and a bit irritating but I thought it would settle. I had a routine dental appointment about a week later and my dentist examined it carefully and took a photograph. She didn’t like the look of it, so she brought me back a week later to check if it was healing and when it wasn’t she referred me red flag to the maxillofacial clinic in Craigavon. At the clinic I was advised that it probably was cancer and they did a biopsy. I was a non-smoker and only had the occasional glass of wine.
What started in that dentist’s chair was a path of care and treatment for which I am extremely grateful. Referral, biopsy, scans, surgery to take a part of my tongue and the nodes out of the left side of my neck ended with a diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma with no spread. All good, or so I thought.
I went back to work, made a career change and was really enjoying my new job when I started getting pain in the left side of my head – especially when chewing. A scan showed that my tumour was back in the floor of my mouth. Six weeks of chemoradiotherapy followed, during which I lost my swallow so had to be fed through a tube into my stomach for a number of weeks.
Since then, I have been carefully followed up and now, eight years later, I am involved in providing patient and public involvement (PPI) in research which is seeking to improve the outcomes for future patients. Through the Northern Ireland Cancer Research Consumer Forum we also seek to raise awareness of the symptoms of head and neck cancer. It is a privilege to be involved in this important work.’
What to look out for: signs and symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer
Early detection of Head and Neck Cancer will significantly improve patient outcomes. Data 2013-2017* indicated five-year survival was 85.2% for Head and Neck Cancer diagnosed at stage 1, compared to 29.5% if stage 4 at diagnosis.
Professor Gerry McKenna, a Consultant in Restorative Dentistry and Prosthodontics at Belfast Trust and Queen’s University Belfast explains; ‘It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer and what to look out for.
Prof Gerry McKenna, Consultant in Restorative Dentistry & Prosthodontics, Belfast Trust and Queens’ University Belfast.
Each cancer type presents slightly differently, which means there are a number of potential signs and symptoms to be aware of.
Early detection is essential.
Symptoms can include an ulcer anywhere in the mouth lasting for more than 3 weeks, any lumps on the face or neck that won’t go away, a sore tongue that’s not getting better and red or white patches inside the mouth. Other signs can be difficulties or pain with chewing, swallowing and speaking, bad breath, throat pain or persistent hoarseness, and unexpected weight loss.
Attending for routine dental check-ups is so important. Dentists have a key role to play in picking up the signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer.
We’ll review your medical history, discuss potential risk factors and perform a head and neck examination -every time you attend for check-up -to assess any signs of suspected cancer; and we’ll refer you to appropriate services, where needed.
Early detection and knowing what signs and symptoms to watch out for is so important.’
If you have any concerns about possible symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer, talk to your dentist who will treat this with the utmost importance. Early detection can save lives and will result in a better prognosis.’
HPV vaccination can prevent some Head and Neck Cancers
Many people have heard that Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is linked to cervical cancer, but it is less well known that it causes some types of Head and Neck Cancer. HPV is now “the fastest growing risk factor for head and neck cancers”. **The good news is that there is a vaccine that protects against the high-risk types of HPV so getting the vaccine is a simple step that can prevent a serious disease.
The importance of partnership in cancer research
Researcher Laura Graham, QUB and Patient Advocate David Rodgers at the Reels, Research and Partnership Event in Queen’s Film Theatre, Belfast
Sharing the message about Head and Neck Cancer and how to prevent it and detect it is very important to the members of the NICRCF Head and Neck Cancer Subgroup. David Rodgers highlighted that the impact of the group extends beyond research; ‘As part of our commitment to raising public awareness about head and neck cancer, we were fortunate to work in partnership with local researchers to develop a series of public awareness videos, which were launched at a showcase event “Reels, Research and Partnerships” in Queen’s Film Theatre, Belfast for Head and Neck Cancer Awareness in April.’ The public are urged to view and share the videos.
Sharing the message about Head and Neck Cancer
Sharing the message about Head and Neck Cancer and how to prevent it and detect it is very important to the members of the Northern Ireland Cancer Research Consumer Forum Head and Neck Cancer Subgroup.
As part of their commitment to raising public awareness about head and neck cancer, patients worked in partnership with local researchers to develop a series of public awareness videos, which were launched at the showcase event “Reels, Research and Partnerships” in Queen’s Film Theatre, Belfast for Head and Neck Cancer Awareness in April 2026.
| Video 1
Personal and Public Involvement (PPI) in Head and Neck Cancer Research
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Featuring David Rodgers, Patient Advocate and Ruth Boyd, Cancer Research UK Senior Research Nurse, Northern Ireland Cancer Trials Network, Belfast HSC Trust.
Click here: Head and Neck Cancer Awareness – PPI in Head and Neck Cancer Research
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| Video 2
What is Head and Neck Cancer?
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Featuring David Rodgers, Patient Advocate and Professor Cherith, Semple Head and Neck Cancer Nurse Specialist in South Eastern HSC Trust and Cancer Researcher, Ulster University.
Click here: Head and Neck Cancer Awareness – What is Head and Neck Cancer? |
| Video 3
HPV and Head and Neck Cancer
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Featuring Phil, Patient Advocate, Dr Terri Flood Lecturer at Ulster University and
Shaima Mohammad Ahmad Abujaber, PhD Student, Queen’s University Belfast. Click here: Head and Neck Cancer Awareness – HPV and Head and Neck Cancer
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| Video 4
Voices of Research
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Featuring Denver, Patient Advocate and Dr Stephanie Craig, Senior Lecturer in Head and Neck Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast.
Click here: Head and Neck Cancer Awareness – Voices of Research
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| Video 5
Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer
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Featuring Professor Gerry McKenna, Queen’s University Belfast and Consultant in Restorative Dentistry and Prosodontics Belfast HSC Trust.
Click here: Head and Neck Cancer Awareness – Signs and Symptoms
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| Video 6
Your Mouth, Your Health
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Featuring Graham Kinniburgh, Patient Advocate and Kifah Mohammad Abdallah Hawamdeh, PhD Student, Dentistry, Queens’ University Belfast.
Click here: Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Campaign – Your Mouth, Your Health!
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| Video 7
Research in Action
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Featuring Richard Kendrick, Patient Advocate and Dr Laura Graham, Cancer Researcher, Queen’s University Belfast.
Click here: Head & Neck Cancer Campaign – Research in Action |