THE PROBLEM

Too many people do not recognise the warning signs of throat cancer. That means too many people are diagnosed later, when treatment can be tougher, recovery can be harder and outcomes can be worse.

UK-wide, around 59% of head and neck cancers with a recorded stage are diagnosed at stage III or IV. In England, 53% of head and neck cancers were diagnosed at a late stage.

Throat cancers sit within head and neck cancers, which is why the best UK staging data is usually reported in that wider category.

WHAT WE ARE DOING

This campaign exists for one reason: to make the signs of throat cancer easier to recognise, remember and act on.

We turn donations into practical awareness work that can reach people before it is too late — through plain-English information, symptom awareness, patient stories, printed resources, digital campaigns and community sharing.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

Most symptoms will have innocent causes. But if they persist, get checked.

Signs can include:

* A sore throat that does not go away

* Difficulty or pain swallowing

* Voice changes or hoarseness

* A persistent cough

* A lump or swelling in the neck

* Ear pain that does not improve

If in doubt, get checked out.

WHY THIS MATTERS

Earlier diagnosis can change everything. It can mean more treatment options, less complex treatment and better outcomes.

Awareness is not just information. It is the difference between ignoring a symptom and acting on it.

WHAT YOUR DONATION HELPS FUND

Your support helps us:

* Create and share symptom awareness resources

* Produce clear information for patients, families and communities

* Get awareness materials into NHS and community settings

* Support people affected by diagnosis and treatment

* Campaign for prevention, earlier diagnosis and better understanding

THE SIMPLEST WAY TO HELP

Donate if you can.

Share this page with five people.

Start your own fundraising page and help us reach more people sooner.

Thank you for backing earlier diagnosis and helping protect voices, lives and futures.

#BeThroatCancerAware