Too many throat cancers are found late.
We’re here to help change that.
The Throat Cancer Foundation works to prevent throat cancer where possible, and to help people recognise the signs earlier where it cannot be prevented.
We raise awareness of cancers affecting the throat, mouth, head and neck, with a clear focus on prevention, early diagnosis, HPV awareness, patient support and better public understanding.
Prevention where we can. Earlier diagnosis where we can’t.
Too many throat cancers are found late.
We’re here to help change that.
The Throat Cancer Foundation helps people recognise the signs earlier, and find trusted support.
Prevention where we can. Earlier diagnosis where we can’t.
Do you know the signs?
Throat cancer symptoms are often explained away as something minor. Most symptoms will not be cancer, but if something does not go away, changes, or worries you, get it checked.
Can throat cancer be cured?
Many throat cancers can be treated successfully, especially when they are diagnosed earlier. Outcomes depend on the type of cancer, where it is, whether it has spread, and a person’s overall health.
Can you reduce your risks?
Some throat cancers are linked to preventable or reducible risks, including HPV, smoking, alcohol and other factors. Better awareness helps people make informed choices without blame or stigma.
Who we are
Too many people still do not know what throat cancer can look or feel like. The Throat Cancer Foundation exists to help change that.
Our work is shaped by clinical expertise, lived experience and the legacy of our founder, Jamie Rae.
We campaign for prevention, earlier diagnosis and better public understanding of the cancers that can affect the throat. We also provide clear information and support for patients, families and loved ones.
Know the signs
Throat cancer symptoms are often explained away as something minor. If a symptom does not go away, changes, or worries you, get it checked.
Hoarse voice
A voice change that lasts more than three weeks should be checked.
Difficulty swallowing
Pain, discomfort or food sticking should not be ignored.
Lump in the neck
A new or persistent lump needs medical advice.
Persistent sore throat
A sore throat that does not go away should be checked.
Persistent cough
A cough that lasts more than three weeks should be checked.
Ear pain
Unexplained or one-sided ear pain can sometimes be linked.
Support our work
Your donation helps us raise awareness, support people affected by throat cancers, and campaign for prevention and earlier diagnosis and better public understanding.
Real people. Real lives. Real stories.
Behind every throat cancer diagnosis is a person, a family and a life changed. These stories show why awareness, prevention and earlier diagnosis matter.
Rab Connell
Rab knew something was wrong when he began struggling to swallow. Months later, he was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer. His story shows why it is important that persistent symptoms should never be ignored.
Tracey White
Tracey was a professional singer. When she found a lump in her neck, she carried on performing – until scans revealed something far more serious. Her story shows why changes should never be ignored.
Sharon Moreby
Sharon lived with a persistent patch on her tongue for years. When pain, a lump and new symptoms appeared, she kept asking until someone listened. Her story shows why persistent changes must be checked.
Latest from TCF
The latest updates from our awareness work, patient stories, fundraising community and campaigns to improve understanding of throat cancer.
Awareness & campaigns
For many health conditions, public awareness has been built through years of repeated messages. Throat cancer has not had that same visibility. That urgently needs to change.
Throat cancer information
Why is throat cancer often considered hard to treat? This article explains the challenges faced in plain English, including late diagnosis, complex treatment and why knowing the signs really is important.
Fundraising & community
Every fundraiser helps us raise awareness, support people affected by throat cancer and get vital information into more hands. Take on a challenge, organise an event, or fundraise your own way.
Help us change the story
Every donation helps us raise awareness, share trusted information, support people affected by throat cancer and push for earlier diagnosis.