The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA) was established in 2008.  Formerly known as the Yul Brynner Head and Neck Cancer Foundation, HNCA works constantly to enhance efforts in prevention, detection, treatment and rehabilitation.  We focus on six key aspects:

• public awareness
• professional engagement
• research
• advocacy
• survivorship
• resource development

We hope to provide support to head and neck cancer patients throughout the year, offer screenings and educational resources to the public, and support ongoing research in the field. 

2010 Survey Results

• Total number of OHANCAW sites: 239
• Total number screened: 6,696
• Total number referred for routine follow-up: 2686
• Total number referred for further evaluation: 775
• Total number referred for immediate consultation for suspected neoplasm: 206
• Percent who expect to participate again in 2011: 95% 

These results are powerful, especially given that these numbers represent only about 33% of participants. Of those screened, approximately 40% were referred for some type of follow-up. These results show that awareness is growing and lives are being saved. Thank you to the thousands of volunteers who contribute to this event that is growing each year and making a difference!

 Compare these numbers to our results from 2009. Our participation gets higher every year!

• Total number of OHANCAW sites: 140
• Total number screened: 2,815
• Total number referred for routine follow-up: 1357
• Total number referred for further evaluation: 355
• Total number referred for immediate consultation for suspected neoplasm: 84

Free Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Screening

 Free screenings will be offered for the second year in a row on Saturday, July 24 from 9 am – 3 pm and Sunday, July 25 from 9 am – 1 pm in the East Hall of Fame Museum Lot of the Brickyard.

 According to the American Cancer Society, more than 40,000 Americans will be diagnosed with cancers of the head and neck this year. Representatives from the Indianapolis University School of Medicine and the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance will be volunteering their efforts to assist in the free screenings. The screening process involves a quick and painless examination by a trained healthcare professional.

 When head and neck cancer is caught early through screening, the average survival rate is more than 90 percent.

 Last year during the Allstate 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, more than 560 head and neck cancer screenings were performed on July 25-26, 2009. Of those screened, more than 130 individuals were referred to seek further medical attention.

 Funding provided by Bristol-Myers Squibb and ImClone Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eli Lilly and Company.