The Throat Cancer Foundation works to prevent throat cancers where possible, encourage earlier diagnosis where prevention is not possible, and support people affected by throat cancer before, during and after treatment.

Throat cancer is not one single disease. It can affect the voice box, tonsils, base of tongue, pharynx, hypopharynx and other areas of the head and neck. It can affect how people speak, swallow, eat, drink, breathe, work, socialise and live their everyday lives.

That is why our work is built around three clear aims:

Prevention where we can. Early diagnosis where we can’t. Better support for those already affected.

Raising Awareness

Many symptoms of throat cancer can be easy to explain away. A hoarse voice, a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, ear pain, a lump in the neck, unexplained weight loss or a cough that does not go away can all be mistaken for something minor.

We want more people to know the signs, trust their instincts and seek medical advice when symptoms persist.

Earlier diagnosis can make a real difference. It can affect treatment options, recovery, quality of life and long-term outcomes. Awareness is not about frightening people. It is about helping people act sooner.

Prevention And HPV Awareness

Some throat cancers are linked to human papillomavirus, known as HPV. HPV is common, and most people will have it at some point in their lives without ever knowing. Most HPV infections do not become cancer.

But some high-risk HPV infections can lead to cancer, including cancers affecting the throat and mouth.

The HPV vaccine is now offered to boys and girls in school Year 8. One of our key roles is to help parents, young people and communities understand why HPV vaccination matters — without stigma, shame or misinformation.

Prevention starts with clear, honest information.

Supporting Patients And Families

A throat cancer diagnosis can be frightening, confusing and overwhelming. People often have questions about treatment, side effects, speech, swallowing, eating, breathing, appearance, mental health and life after treatment.

We provide information, signposting and support for people affected by throat cancer, including patients, families, carers and friends.

We also work with clinicians, ambassadors and people with lived experience to help make sure the information we share is grounded in real experience as well as clinical understanding.

Campaigning For Better Care

Surviving throat cancer matters. But so does living after it.

Treatment can leave people with long-term effects that are not always visible to others. These may include changes to voice, swallowing, eating, breathing, confidence, appearance, relationships, work and mental health.

We believe everyone affected by throat cancer deserves care that is clearly explained, properly supported and focused on the whole person — not just the tumour.

That is why we continue to campaign for a Gold Standard of Care for people affected by throat cancer.

Working With Healthcare Professionals

We work with healthcare professionals, NHS teams and clinical advisers to improve understanding of throat cancer, HPV-related cancers, patient information and support.

Our educational resources help explain complex subjects in a clearer way, including HPV and throat cancer, treatment pathways, recovery and the questions patients often ask after diagnosis.

By working alongside clinicians, we aim to help bridge the gap between medical information and the real-life concerns patients and families face.

Encouraging Earlier Action

Too many people delay getting symptoms checked because they assume it is “probably nothing”.

Often, it will be nothing serious. But when symptoms persist, people should feel confident seeking help.

Our awareness work encourages people to:

• know the possible signs of throat cancer
• act when symptoms do not go away
• speak to their GP or dentist
• ask questions if they are worried
• trust their instincts

No one should feel embarrassed about getting checked.

Our Current Priorities

Our current work focuses on:

• public awareness of throat cancer signs and symptoms
• HPV education and vaccination awareness
• patient and family information
• support for people affected by throat cancer
• campaigning for earlier diagnosis
• promoting Gold Standard Care
• working with clinicians and people with lived experience
• fundraising to expand our reach

Help Us Do More

The Throat Cancer Foundation relies on donations, fundraising, volunteers and supporters.

Every donation helps us reach more people with information that could lead to earlier diagnosis, better understanding and stronger support for those affected by throat cancer.

Whether you donate, fundraise, share our awareness messages or help someone recognise the signs, you are helping us make a difference.

Prevention where we can. Early diagnosis where we can’t. Support when it matters most.