Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (SASH) will be marking World Head and Neck Cancer Day by hosting an art exhibition titled “Faces of Survival.”
On Friday 26 July, the Trust will be honouring the remarkable resilience and courage of head and neck cancer survivors through the exhibition where patients who have undergone treatment at East Surrey Hospital will use the opportunity to share their inspiring stories of hope, perseverance and life after diagnosis.
Four talented local artists have been commissioned to capture these journeys in visual form. The artists; Judit Matthews (Illustrator), Maneet Patel (Fine Arts Scholar), Rebecca Regan (Mixed Media Artist), and Lucy Carliell and Helen Worgan have been commissioned to a patient who has come through a cancer journey. This powerful exhibition aims to convey the emotional depth and transformation experienced during a cancer battle.
Karan Kapoor, ENT consultant, said: “The exhibition is a source of inspiration to patients and their friends and family, whether they are being treated or have been treated. It looks to educate and raise awareness of head and neck cancer, which is now the eighth most common cancer in the UK.
“The skill of these artists has created unique and profound pieces reflecting the journeys and challenges of our patients. If people are less intimidated by the prospect of what might be, they will come earlier to seek professional help and have better outcomes.”
A growing challenge with head and neck cancer prevalence
SASH will be joining the global community in raising awareness about head and neck cancers through World Head and Neck Cancer Day.
Head and neck cancers are a significant health concern in the UK, ranking as the fifth most common cancer in men and eighth most common overall. Each year, over 12,800 new cases are diagnosed, translating to a staggering 35 people receiving a head and neck cancer diagnosis every single day. There has also been an increase of over 45% in head and neck cancer rates among women since the 1990s.
Celebrating strength: survivor stories through art
We invite you to join us for an afternoon filled with informative sessions, survivor testimonials and a captivating art exhibition. The event will be taking place on Friday, 26 July, from 2pm to 4pm at The Macmillan Centre, East Surrey Hospital. Together, we can raise awareness, promote preventative measures and celebrate the resilience of those impacted by head and neck cancers.