About the study

• The study was initially funded by a grant awarded by the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR)
• The follow-up study was funded from three sources: a Cancer Research UK programme grant awarded to Professor Martin who is working with us on some of the follow-up data, an award from the Research and Innovation Department at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston, and Professor Ness' NIHR Senior Investigator Award.
• A ten year follow up questionnaire is being funded by a grant from Cancer Research UK. This is due to be sent out in 2024.
• The study is sponsored by University Hospitals Bristol and Weston with researchers from Bristol University leading the project and working with our local Head & Neck Team.

Background to Head and Neck 5000

• There are around 12,000 new cases of head and neck cancer diagnosed each year in the UK.
• The presence of additional illnesses unrelated to the tumour is high in people with head & neck cancer and can have a significant impact on their prognosis.
• The ten-year survival in England from 2009-2013 varies from 19% to 59%.
• Treatment for head & neck cancer is resource intensive because a person with head & neck cancer requires care from a range of disciplines.
• The incidence and survival is affected by the individuals’ socio-economic status.
• The centralisation of care to a smaller number of larger centres has implications for both people with head and neck cancer and their clinical team.