Head and neck cancers
Looking after yourself during head and neck cancer treatment
Living with cancer is difficult. There's a lot to manage with treatments, medical appointments and lifestyle changes. Learn about things you can do to look after yourself like eating well, exercise and complementary therapies.
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Sources and references 
Cancer can cause physical and emotional strain, so it’s important to look after your wellbeing. Cancer Council has free booklets and programs to help you during and after treatment. Call 13 11 20 to find out more, or visit your local Cancer Council website.
Eating well – Healthy food can help you cope with treatment and side effects. A dietitian can explain how to manage any special dietary needs or eating problems and choose the best foods for your situation.
Staying active – Physical activity can reduce tiredness, improve circulation and lift mood. The right exercise for you depends on what you are used to, how you feel, and your doctor’s advice.
Complementary therapies – Complementary therapies are designed to be used alongside conventional medical treatments. Therapies such as massage, relaxation and acupuncture can increase your sense of control, decrease stress and anxiety, and improve your mood. Let your doctor know about any therapies you are using or thinking about trying, as some may not be safe or evidence-based.
Work and money – Cancer can change your financial situation, especially if you have extra medical expenses or need to stop working. Getting professional financial advice and talking to your employer can give you peace of mind. You can also check whether any financial assistance is available to you by asking a social worker at your hospital or treatment centre or calling Cancer Council 13 11 20.
Relationships – Having cancer can affect your relationships with family, friends and colleagues in different ways. Cancer is stressful, tiring and upsetting, and this may strain relationships. The experience of cancer may also result in positive changes to your values, priorities or outlook on life. Give yourself time to adjust to what’s happening, and do the same for those around you. It may help to discuss your feelings with each other.
Your sex life – Cancer can affect your sex life in physical and emotional ways. The impact of these changes depends on many factors, such as treatment and side effects, your self-confidence, and if you have a partner. Although sexual intercourse may not always be possible, closeness and sharing can still be part of your relationship.
Contraception and fertility – If you can have sex, you may need to use certain types of contraception to protect your partner or to avoid pregnancy for a time. Your doctor will explain what precautions to take. They will also tell you if treatment will affect your fertility permanently or temporarily. If having children is important to you, discuss the options with your doctor before starting treatment.
Sources and references
This edition has been developed by Cancer Council NSW on behalf of all other state and territory Cancer Councils as part of a National Cancer Information Subcommittee initiative.
We thank the reviewers of this booklet: Dr Malinda Itchins, Thoracic Medical Oncologist, Royal North Shore Hospital and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Dr Cynleen Kai, Radiation Oncologist, GenesisCare, VIC; Dr Naveed Alam, Thoracic Surgeon, St Vincent’s Hospital, Epworth Richmond, and Monash Medical Centre, VIC; Helen Benny, Consumer; Dr Rachael Dodd, Senior Research Fellow, The Daffodil Centre, NSW; Kim Greco, Specialist head and neck cancers Nurse Consultant, Flinders Medical Centre, SA; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Marco Salvador, Consumer; Janene Shelton, xxx Foundation Australia – Specialist head and neck cancers Nurse, Darling Downs Health, QLD; Prof Emily Stone, Respiratory Physician, Department of Thoracic Medicine and xxx Transplantation, St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney, NSW; A/Prof Marianne Weber, Stream Lead, head and neck cancers Policy and Evaluation, The Daffodil Centre, NSW.
We would also like to thank the health professionals, consumers and editorial teams who have worked on previous editions of this title.
References
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (US), NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines): Head and Neck Cancers, Version 2.2025.
- J-P Machiels et al., “Squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, larynx, oropharynx and hypopharynx: EHNS–ESMO–ESTRO Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment
and follow-up”, Annals of Oncology, vol. 31, iss. 11, 2020, pp. 1462–75. - P Bossi et al., “Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: ESMO–EURACAN Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up”, Annals of Oncology, vol. 32, iss. 4, 2020, pp. 452–65.
- C Resteghini et al., “Sinonasal malignancy: ESMO–EURACAN Clinical Practice Guidelines for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up”, ESMO Open, vol. 10, iss. 2, 2025.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Cancer Data in Australia 2025, AIHW, Canberra, viewed 29 October 2025, aihw.gov.au/reports/cancer/cancer-data-in-australia.
Head and neck cancers
Cancer Council 13 11 20
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Guide to best cancer care
This head and neck cancers guide explains the standard of high-quality cancer care that all Australians can expect, from diagnosis, to treatment, recovery, and living with cancer.