GP and Dentist Education Module
Learn how to identify and support Head and Neck Cancer patients. Enrol Here
The face of Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) is changing. While smoking and alcohol were once the primary risk factors, today in Australia around 70% of oropharyngeal cancers are linked to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
There has also been a concerning 385% increase in tongue cancer among young women over the past 30 years. Many of these patients do not present with traditional risk factors such as smoking or heavy alcohol use, yet often experience aggressive disease with a five-year survival rate of around 42%. The reasons for this increase remain unknown.
The presentation of HNC can be subtle and non-specific, meaning early signs may be missed.
About the module
Join ENT and Head and Neck Surgeon Dr Matthew Magarey and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr Felix Sim, alongside Head and Neck Cancer patients, for an interactive, case-based one-hour online education module.
This module explores the changing landscape of Head and Neck Cancer and aims to build confidence among GPs and dentists in early identification and timely referral for specialist care.
You will also learn how to better support patients at diagnosis and those living with long-term side effects.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Describe key changes in Head and Neck Cancer epidemiology
- Recognise signs and symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer and distinguish them from non-malignant conditions
- Identify appropriate referral pathways for suspected cases
- Understand the long-term survivorship needs of people living with Head and Neck Cancer
- Perform an effective oral and neck examination
The Changing Face of Head and Neck Cancer education module is accredited by the Royal Australian College of GPs and Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine and endorsed by the Australian Dental Association.
The Module is available via the Arterial Education website and links from the RACGP, ACCRM, ADA and HANCA websites.
All healthcare professionals, including dental hygienists and dental and oral health therapists, can also register and enrol in the module and will receive a certificate on completion.
Enrol Here
Help us raise awareness of the Module
To help raise awareness of our new resources we have created a digital campaign kit with social media graphics that can be downloaded and used straight-away OR PRINT the A4 GP or Dentist Flyer and give it to your local GP or Dentist.
Download and Print A4 Flyer for your GP or Dentist.
Thank you
Our sincere thanks to the Expert Advisory Committee who helped to inform the content for the module. We couldn't have delivered such an informative and valuable resource without their expertise and support.
- A/Prof Ardalan Ebrahimi, EAC Chair, HANCA Board Director, HNC Surgeon, Canberra Hospital, ACT
- Dr Taleitha Atkins, GP, Moss Vale, NSW
- Dr Mikaela Chinotti, Dentist, ADA Oral Health Promoter, Australian Dental Association, Federal
- A/Prof Dylan Hyam, Maxillofacial Surgeon, Canberra Hospital, ACT
- Jenny Johnson, Senior Policy and Development Officer, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine
- Dr Matthew Magarey, HNC/ENT Surgeon, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC
- Dr Steve McCrea, Dentist, Wollongong, NSW
- Dr Karen O’Brien, GP, Victoria
- Dr Amanda Phoon Nguyen, Oral Medicine Specialist, University of Western Australia, Perth Children’s Hospital, WA
- Nadia Rosin, CEO, Head and Neck Cancer Australia
- Dr Sneha Sethi, Dentist/Oral health researcher, University of Adelaide/Adelaide Dental School, SA
- Carolyn Smith, Former patient, HANCA Board Director, ACT
The module was delivered with the support of funding from the Australian Government.
