Source: ChronicleLive (www.chroniclelive.co.uk)
Author: Helen Rae

A head and neck cancer nurse specialist has been appointed to offer expertise to those living with cancer in the region. Macmillan Cancer Support has employed new head and neck cancer nurse specialist, Laura Gradwell-Nelson, based at Newcastle’s Freeman Hospital. Laura, 28, of New York, North Shields, will work alongside existing Macmillan head and neck nurse specialist Amanda Dear and will see patients throughout Tyneside and Northumberland.

Laura said: “We have a fantastic team working with head and neck patients in the area and I’m delighted to be part of it.

“I work with patients who may have lost the ability to speak, eat, drink or even breathe. Some have to deal with facial disfigurement after surgery.

“These are complex cases and my job is to try and make life as easy as I can for the patient and their family in what can be an incredibly stressful and frightening time. I try and build a relationship up with the patient because I feel being on the same level is crucial to helping them deal with their cancer.

“Amanda and I coordinate the patient’s medical care, such as pain control and managing side effects.

“We also spend time listening to their concerns, talking through their options and generally being a point of contact when they need help, advice or are worried about anything.

“I also point them to the Macmillan benefits advisers if they need financial help. Throughout my career I’ve always had an interest in head and neck cancer and I love my job. No day is ever the same and I meet some remarkable people.”

There are more than 30 different places head and neck cancers can occur, including cancer of the throat, mouth, nose, ears, tongue and lymph nodes in the neck.

Head and neck cancers are more common in smokers and people who drink, and even more common in people who do both. Chewing tobacco or betel nut is also a risk factor.

Often the care needed for head and neck cancers is very complex and Laura and Amanda work with a multi-disciplinary team. The team includes surgeons, head and neck radiologists, a reconstructive surgeon, a plastic surgeon, speech and language therapists and Macmillan dieticians.