About our society

The Head and Neck Cancer Support Society is the first of its kind in Canada.  It was formed on the principle – “Of the patients, by the patients and for the patients.”

In 2015, the Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine (iRSM) conducted an initiative to address their Waitlist process. Part of this process involved seeking patient feedback. A key component of that feedback noted that support for Head and Neck Cancer patients would benefit from improvement.

The Head and Neck Cancer Support Society is the result of sustained efforts of Dr. Suresh Nayar and a small but dedicated group of head and neck cancer patients who began collaboration in 2016.

In July 2018, the Head and Neck Cancer Support Society officially received its registered Society status.

Our Board Members

Position Temporarily Vacant

Position Temporarily Vacant

President

Adam Brown

Adam Brown

Treasurer

In 2015, Adam was diagnosed with tongue cancer, resulting in 2 surgeries, the first at the U of A Hospital and the second at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. After receiving 30 sessions of radiation, Adam participated in speech and swallowing therapies, a rehabilitative exercise program and had acupuncture to help restore his salivary glands. Adam has completed both the TARGET and ACE exercise programs and is strong advocate of the benefits of exercise in the recovery of head and neck cancer patients. Adam is a patient advisor with the Cancer Strategic Clinical Network (SCN) and a founding member of the Head and Neck Cancer Support Society.

Our History

2015:

  • March – April – iRSM Waitlist initiative Focus Group Task Force meetings.
  • April – Waitlist initiative Focus Group Summary Report which identified need for a support group.

2016:

  • November – first meeting called by Dr Suresh Nayar and formation of iRSM Patient Advisory Team

2017:

  • Monthly meetings to discuss way forward in establishing patient support group
  • Ping Mason-Lai, SPOR patient engagement platform facilitator brought in to help facilitate understanding of what support services is required.
  • Patient survey carried out to ascertain need for support and data collected.

2018:

  • Patient survey completed and data compiled.
  • Applied for recognition as a registered society in the province of Alberta
  • Board of Directors appointed
  • July – Received confirmation as a registered society in Alberta

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