CRUK RadNet Glasgow Centre

A recent report from Northern Head and Neck Alliance (NHNA) and Health Equity North has revealed the stark socioeconomic inequalities in head and neck cancer across the UK. 

The report shows that people in the most socioeconomically deprived areas in the UK are most likely to die from head and neck cancer, with some of the most disproportionately affected areas being in Northern England and Scotland 

This project required collaboration from research teams spanning University of Liverpool, Newcastle University, University of Glasgow, University of Sheffield, along with clinical colleagues from the NHS in the North of England and Scotland. 

GLAHNC (Glasgow Head and Neck Cancer Group) played an integral role in the production of this research. 

Professor David Conway, the CRUK RadNet Glasgow+ Health Inequalities theme co-lead said: 

“Societal inequalities in income, wealth, and power drag our nations’ health. Head and neck cancer – mainly tumours of the mouth, throat and voice box – are such life changing diseases impacting those from the poorest and most disadvantaged communities most. The recommendations in this report recognise the need for reducing the root causes of poverty and inequality but also set out a clear path to tackling the ingrained inequalities in head and neck cancer risk, diagnosis, treatment and survival rates. Strengthening prevention, improving access to primary care and dentistry, and investing in early detection are all within our reach. By acting on these recommendations, we can ensure that people in our most disadvantaged communities are no longer left behind. Addressing the challenge of inequalities in head and neck cancer would create a template for tackling cancer and wider health inequalities.”

You can find the full report here: - Hard to Swallow: The Truth about Head and Neck Cancer Inequalities

 

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First published: 17 June 2026