Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer globally, with more than 650,000 people diagnosed annually. Around 1,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with head and neck cancer every month.

There are more than 15 areas within the head and neck where cancer can develop, including the mouth and lips, voice box, throat and nose. Despite advances in treatment, many of those diagnosed with head and neck cancer still lose their lives.

The mental and physical side effects for those who have been treated can be life changing. Eating, speaking and breathing problems are common, meaning people need specialised rehabilitation, support and care.

Guy's Head and Neck Cancer Centre will bring together a diverse range of programmes to offer patients the best possible care. The centre aims to speed up the diagnosis for head and neck cancer patients and improve the ways they are treated for their condition by minimising side-effects, maximising treatment effectiveness and reducing rates of recurrence.

It will also provide state-of-the-art patient education and support services to improve the quality of life for those living with and beyond head and neck cancer. Guy's Cancer's Head and Neck team will be taking on various challenges throughout the year to raise much needed funds, including new research and technology to improve life expectancy and quality of life for our cancer patients. Its team head and neck physio's turn to raise vital funds to make this happen and conquer the Hackney half marathon.