Current HNCA Programs

OHANCA®

OHANCA® is our flagship program, focusing on public awareness and early detection. HNCA partners with medical and dental clinics worldwide to offer FREE screenings and awareness programs for their local communities. When detected at stages I and II, the survival rate is over 80%; however more than half of all cases are found at later stages. When caught at a later stage, survival is less and side effects of treatment are much more significant. OHANCA® strives to increase the number of cancers caught early and improve patient outcomes.

Learn More

Gas Card Program

HNCA understands that transportation costs may prevent a patient from receiving treatment. We offer a limited supply of $50 gas cards to help patients cover transportation costs to their medical facility. The program is not income-based or based on the number of miles traveled to treatment, so it is open to virtually all U.S. residents with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer.

Learn More

Peer-to-Peer Program

HNCA is partnering with Imerman Angels (IA) to provide peer-to-peer support for the head and neck cancer community. Whether you are a patient, survivor, or caregiver, you have the opportunity to connect with someone to give or receive support.

Learn More

Ambassador Program

At HNCA, we recognize that people draw more strength and knowledge from hearing directly from patients and caregivers. Our ambassadors are cancer patients, survivors, and/or caregivers whose inspirational journeys give true meaning to what happens when you are diagnosed with cancer, during and post-treatment. Ambassadors are available to speak at meetings and events, to participate in research on patient journeys and/or designing clinical protocols.

Ambassador Application
Request an Ambassador

Learn More

Survivorship Symposium

HNCA and the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) are pleased to announce the 2021 Virtual Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Symposium. Join us in July as we offer a series of webinars, a virtual survivor gathering with breakout sessions, and access to the AHNS conference’s opening keynote talk presented by renowned chef and head and neck cancer survivor, Grant Achatz. Registration opens in June!

Learn More

Survivorship Webinars

These webinars focus on different topics that will help head and neck cancer patients understand what to expect before, during and after treatment and tips on managing side effects from treatment.

Learn More

Online Support Community

HNCA offers a free online community through the Inspire platform for individuals and their loved ones who are facing oral, head and neck cancers. This community offers peer-to-peer support in a safe environment so you can connect with others experiencing similar diagnoses, treatments and outcomes.

Learn More

Smash Cancer

Smash Cancer is an annual tennis tournament fundraiser started by The Howard Family, who lost both of their parents to head and neck cancer. This successful fundraiser, held annually in Wilmington, NC, has raised more than $100,000 in the past 6 years for the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance. Proceeds support our Gas Card Program for cancer patients needing financial help during treatment. New in 2018, we are pleased to offer a second annual tournament, taking place in Orlando, FL.

Learn More

Your Cancer Story

For those newly diagnosed or going through treatment, Merck continues to offer its original Your Cancer Story resources to help guide you and your caregivers through this journey. Get healthy recipes, helpful tips on things like managing your health, coping strategies, partnering with caregivers and more today.

Learn More