From the Chair
27th July 2016 was the second World Head and Neck Cancer Day (WHNCD). The day was the brainchild of the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncology Societies (IFHNOS). IFHNOS is a global organisation established through cooperation of national and regional Societies and Organisations in the specialty of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology. (1)
Our Network seized the opportunity to become involved. Using our Social Media platforms, we were active on Twitter (HeadNeckNZ) using the hashtag #WHNCD, on Facebook, (Head & Neck Cancer Support) and through our own website. http://headandnecknetwork.blogspot.co.nz/
We had two articles in the mainstream media, Scoop and Stuff. As a result we made a number of new connections with head and neck cancer people in New Zealand. We connected with other HNC survivor organisations throughout the world. There was a generous sharing of resources and ideas. Over the coming years we will be maintaining and developing those new relationships. 
Now we have 50 Twitter followers and 37 friends connected by our Facebook group, Head and Neck Cancer Support. In July we had a spike of interest in our blog. Most of that traffic was generated from Facebook.
For me, the most significant moment of the day was when we connected with Alistair Malcolm. He was in Waikato Hospital with a range of head and neck issues. He found us and our network due to the media articles. A few days later, another person in need of support connected with us from the South Island. Olwen Williams is supporting her partner Fred. After a distressing few days our Network offered care and support.
We have been busy printing posters, fliers and cards to get our message out there to people with HNC, their families and carers. We are truly living our aims to connect, support and advocate. I am extremely proud of all our efforts. I thank everyone who has contributed.
Next year, WHNCD will be even bigger and better!
- IFHOS has membership from national and regional multidisciplinary organizations, representing 50 countries. The purpose of this organization is to provide a common platform for specialists in the field of Head and Neck Cancer to interact in professional matters of mutual interest. To know more about IFHNOS visit http://www.ifhnos.org/home
Diana Ayling
