Do you need to get checked?

Hanc leaflet.jpgHead and neck cancer is becoming more common – especially in some areas of Merseyside, such as the L5, L6 and L7 areas of Liverpool.

As you get older, you have a higher chance of developing head and neck cancer and smoking also raises the risk of it.

The most common signs of head and neck cancer are a lump on your neck or a hoarse voice – which have not gone away after three weeks.

Most people are cured of head and neck cancer if doctors find it early enough – but if you wait until it gets worse, you might not have a full recovery.

Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance is partnering with Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Liverpool GP practices to set up a clinic to check eligible people in specific areas of Liverpool who have symptoms of head and neck cancer.

The clinic is running during February 2025 to see if it speeds up accessneck lump photo.jpg
to specialist medical assessment for patients.

So, if you

  • Live in the Liverpool postcode areas of L5, L6 or L7
  • Are aged over 45

and

  • have had a neck lump for more than three weeks

or

  • have had a hoarse voice for more than three weeks
    – or both

and

  • smoke or used to smoke

ring our NHS team at Aintree Hospital during February on 0151 529 6417 (Monday to Friday, 9am-3pm) and tell us about it.

It probably won’t be cancer, but after a chat over the phone you may be offered a hospital check-up.

This special clinic is only running in February, so if you have symptoms after this month, please contact your GP practice for advice.

Watch the video below for more information:

Information about head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer is a relatively uncommon type of cancer. Around 12,400 new cases are diagnosed in the UK each year.

There are more than 30 areas within the head and neck where cancer can develop, including the:

  • mouth and lips
  • voice box (larynx)
  • throat (pharynx)
  • salivary glands
  • nose and sinuses
  • area at the back of the nose and mouth (nasopharynx)

There are a range of symptoms which might be head and neck cancer – but they are much more likely to be something far less serious.

You can find out what these symptoms are on this NHS website: NHS Head and Neck Cancer

How to cut your risk

The best way to reduce the chances of getting head and neck cancer is to cut your risk.

You can do this by:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Cutting down or giving up alcohol
  • Not taking illegal drugs

For more information on head and neck cancer, see this Macmillan website: Macmillan Head and Neck Cancer

For more information, watch the video below:

Do you need help stopping smoking?

For free support and advice to quit smoking, visit Smokefree Liverpool at their website.