Joan's Foundation: P.O. Box 14907, Columbus, OH  43214  614.806.0536      

Joan’s Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a public charity as described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code

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Founded in 2010, Joan’s Foundation is dedicated solely to head and neck oncology.  Our mission – our promise – is to improve lives by raising funds to support head and neck cancer research, education, awareness, and survivorship.

Facts about Head and Neck Cancer

• HNC includes cancers of the mouth, nose, sinuses, salivary glands, throat, thyroid, and lymph nodes in the neck.

• Symptoms of HNC include a canker-like sore in the mouth, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, a sore throat, ear pain, swollen glands, sinus problems, or a lump in the neck.  HNCs are often discovered after repeated treatments fail to treat persistent symptoms.

• Every year more than half-a-million people throughout the world are diagnosed with HNC.  HNC is the fifth most common form of cancer in the US, and every day 30 Americans die from these cancers.

• HNC is increasing, especially in people younger than 40, even when lacking the traditional risk factors of tobacco and alcohol use.

• Certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV) have been linked to some forms of HNCs in both males and females, and can be transmitted orally.

• Oral HPV Infection is three times more common in men than in women.

• Treatment often involves surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of these.  In addition to altering physical appearance, HNC treatments often cause patients long-term difficulties with eating, swallowing, and speaking.