November 8th marked the beginning of what would prove to be an extraordinary International Head and Neck Cancer Conference, hosted by The Swallows Head and Neck Cancer Support Group and Charity. The conference was held at The Grand Hotel in Torquay, which boasted a beautiful view out to sea. The event was opened with a wonderfully entertaining video introduction, referencing “Fawlty Towers” (a classic British comedy, based nearby). This perfectly emphasised the conference’s motto “Laughter is the best medicine”.

On arrival, we were given our name tags, lanyards and complimentary branded cotton bags. Teas and coffees were situated in the exhibition hall with patients, carergivers and health care professionals all viewing the exhibitor stands together before the conference commenced at 9 am.

This conference is unique in that it is patient-led and brings together patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. The guest speakers were carefully selected to provide expert knowledge on many different areas of head and neck cancer care, including lived experience. Each panellist spoke so eloquently, carefully negotiating language that met the educational needs of all audience members regardless of background, with a perfect balance between science and human experience. Despite there being almost 200 attendees, the conference room was laid out to feel intimate, allowing for easier audience involvement.

The aims of the conference were to enhance knowledge, facilitate connections, share ideas and exhibit the latest products and services available for head and neck cancer.

On the first day we heard from a varied panel of experts including: pathologists, surgeons, speech and language therapists, dietitians, and patients. The topics ranged from: staging of cancers, medical marijuana for pain relief, latest research and technology in head and neck cancer, and personal experiences of cancer.

Chris Curtis the founder of The Swallows was the host for the conference and expertly kept the event running to time whilst entertaining the audience with jokes and comedy sketches. His passion for his work is evident and between the comedy he allowed for periods of reflection as we navigated through more challenging topics. There was not a dry eye in the room when a video sharing a caregiver’s experience was played.

The Swallows is a charity founded in 2012 by Chris and his wife Sharon. The message at the heart of this charity is “support”. Whether someone is currently experiencing a head and neck cancer; is finding life after treatment tough; or is acting as a caregiver for another person going through this journey, The Swallows aims to be a shoulder to lean on and an organisation that can help guide and inform people through their challenges and concerns.

The passion to improve the lives of others was a message that resonated throughout the whole event. As discussed at the event, head and neck cancer is still an under-represented issue with more time, money, resources and attention desperately needed. Head and neck cancer is the 8th most common cancer in the UK, accounting for 7% of all cancer cases. In terms of publicity and funding, it trails behind prostate cancer and breast cancer which account for 13% and 22% of all cancer cases.

The exhibition hall was a collective of professionals from all areas of head and neck cancer care. Many demonstrated products and technology that might pave the way for future patients with head and neck cancers, whilst others focussed on support for those who have already been through treatment and are experiencing the late effects, or adjusting to life beyond cancer.

Thanks to the support of the Swallows, our research team were able to set up a demonstration version of the Leo Cancer Care upright radiotherapy treatment chair within the exhibition hall, to conduct patient-focussed research, together with Catherine Holborn from Sheffield Hallam University and Sophie Boisbouvier from Centre Léon Bérard.

(Sophie Boisbouvier and Dr Gordon Sands preparing to set up a participant in the system)

Together they invited conference attendees who had experienced radiotherapy for head and neck cancer while lying down to try out the chair, and to watch a video showing the Leo Cancer Care upright CT scanner. The participants then shared their feedback, both on the radiotherapy chair and their previous experience of radiotherapy.

(Special guest Batman demonstrating how comfortable the system is along with Dr Gordon Sands and Sophie Boisbouvier)

At Leo Cancer Care we are extremely fortunate to have a longstanding research collaboration with Prof Heidi Probst’s team at Sheffield Hallam University. Our shared goal is to learn from the experiences of people who have previously received radiotherapy, working alongside them to create better human-focussed radiotherapy systems. In the coming months, we will jointly analyse data from the conference and we are also planning a follow-on focus group.

On the Leo Cancer Care booth was Dr Gordon Sands, a Research Physicist at Leo Cancer Care and he shared these thoughts on his time at the conference, "It was an absolute privilege to take part in this conference. Speaking to patients and healthcare providers gave us great insight into the benefits and challenges of radiotherapy delivery. It was really nice to hear about all the different sides and experiences."
Similarly, Dr Tracy Underwood (Head of Translational Research at Leo Cancer Care) said “I have been to many conferences, but this one was very special. Patients and healthcare professionals were together, on an equal footing. It was an honour for our team to learn from everyone at the event.” She added “Chris and Sharon, the conference organisers, are incredible. “The Swallows” is their vision: they amount they have achieved and the personal touches they provide are truly remarkable.”

This conference was such an insightful event for all those who attended. It was hosted superbly by a charity that deserves recognition for the life-changing work they have done, and continues to do, for all affected by this type of cancer. It was a privilege for Leo Cancer Care to be invited. The event has renewed our passion to remain patient focussed, aiming for a radiotherapy experience that feels more natural and comfortable.

(Dr Gordon Sands and Dr Tracy Underwood and Batman all showing their support for The Swallows)

With sincere thanks to:

· The patients and their partners who took part in this research at the International Head and Neck Charity Conference

· Chris and Sharon Curtis, event organisers and founders of The Swallows Charity

· Sophie Boisbouvier, Catherine Holborn and Prof Heidi Probst for their ongoing help and collaboration

· UKRI for funding this research

The Leo Cancer Care Team Attends The International Head and Neck Cancer Conference