Support Resources for Head and Neck Cancer Patients, Survivors and Caregivers

You are not alone.

Statistics have shown that head and neck cancer survivors are twice as likely to be at risk of suicide than other individuals with cancer. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance wishes to remind head and neck cancer survivors, patients and caregivers, that you are not alone and to provide a list of supportive resources to help you through your cancer journey.

Head and Neck Cancer Alliance

Peer-to-Peer Program

HNCA, through a partnership with Imerman Angels (IA), now provides one-on-one, peer-to-peer support for the head and neck cancer community. Through a unique matching process, HNCA and IA connect head and neck cancer survivors and caregivers (“Mentor Angels”) with patients and patient caregivers, who share similar cancer journeys, to provide one-on-one emotional support and compassion. Our Mentor Angels will give cancer fighters and caregivers the chance to ask personal questions and receive support from a peer who has been down the same road before. Mentor Angels may lend support and empathy, and help cancer fighters and caregivers navigate the system, determine their options, and create their own support systems.

Join Inspire and Help Out a Patient or Caregiver

The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA) offers a free online community on Inspire for individuals and their loved ones who are facing oral, head and neck cancers. This free online community offers peer-to-peer support and a safe environment so you can connect with others experiencing or who have experienced the diagnosis, treatments and outcomes similar to yours. As a survivor champion, you can respond to discussions in the community and to help others who may be struggling.


Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC)

SPOHNC

Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer (SPOHNC) has over 125 Chapters throughout the United States and continues to grow. Connecting with a local chapter is an in-valuable first step in the healing process. Visit www.spohnc.org, email info@spohnc.org or call 1-800-377-0928 or further information.


Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association, Inc. (ThyCa)

Thyca

ThyCa support groups are free and open to any and all survivors and their families and friends. In these groups, people share thyroid cancer information, their experiences with their thyroid cancer, and insights on how they are coping with thyroid cancer, and support. Join almost daily virtual thyroid cancer support group meetings all over the U.S.: www.thyca.org/sg/


Cancer Support Community Helpline

The Cancer Support Helpline is staffed by community navigators, resource specialists and a Helpline navigator who have over 170 years of combined experience helping people affected by cancer. The Helpline provides guidance, resources and support in to cancer patients or their loved ones with a variety of needs—from getting information about cancer, identifying a local support group or just finding someone who is willing to listen. The helpline is available to assist in over 200 languages and can be accessible by phone at 1-888-793-9355 or through live chat


National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

If think you or a loved one are at risk of suicide, please do not hesitate to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.