Head and Neck Cancer Symposium
On the 23rd of February 2026, UCD hosted the Head and Neck Cancer symposium, to highlight a cancer type that is underrepresented in cancer research.
Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that develop in the upper aerodigestive tract, including the mouth, throat, voice box, nasal cavity, and related structures.
Over 760 people in Ireland are diagnosed with head and neck cancers each year, making it the seventh most common cancer nationally. These cancers disproportionately affect men who are three times more likely to be diagnosed than women. Despite gradual improvements in outcomes, the five-year survival rate is still only 59 per cent, with approximately 278 deaths each year (National Cancer Registry Ireland, 2025).
Symposium organiser, Dr Arman Rahman, Assistant Professor in Anatomy at UCD School of Medicine, said: “Today marks the beginning of a new chapter in Head and Neck cancer research at UCD, where scientists, clinicians and patients have come together to build an ecosystems that can drive much needed advancements in this domain. By aligning science, clinical care and patient voice from day one, we aim to accelerating the path from discovery to improved care and survival rates.”
Professor William Gallagher, Scientific Director at St. Vincent’s UCD Cancer Centre and co-lead of the All-Island Cancer Research Institute, said: “This event, spear-headed by my great colleague Dr Arman Rahman, provides a much needed focus on a cancer type which has received less attention at a national level to date. We are now working closely on this topic with the Irish Cancer Society through the Precision Oncology Ireland Strategic Partnership Programme.”
Guest speaker Richard Boyd Barrett delivered a powerful speech titled A Patient’s Journey Through Head and Neck Cancer: Diagnosis, Treatment and Lived Experience, offering personal insight into the challenges faced by patients navigating diagnosis and recovery.
He said: “I'm delighted to take part in this symposium at UCD today to highlight Head and Neck Cancer. Having been through the life-changing experience of cancer myself, I'm very aware of how advances in cancer research lead to improved treatment options and better outcomes for patients. More importantly, getting diagnosed is what really saves lives so I urge anyone who notices symptoms, especially men, do go and see your doctor and don't wait.”
The symposium also featured strong representation from Northern Ireland, reinforcing the value of all-island collaboration. Contributions included “Learning from the Northern Ireland Experience in Head and Neck Cancer Research”, led by Prof. Jacqueline James and Dr. Stephanie Craig, who highlighted recent progress and key insights from their work. DR. Laura Graham also presented on the advancement of Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) in Head and Neck Cancer research, outlining practical approaches and the impact of meaningful PPI engagement in ongoing studies.
This symposium was convened in direct response to the growing need for earlier diagnosis, more personalised treatment options and stronger patient involvement in head and neck cancer research.
Delivered in partnership with Precision Oncology Ireland, the North South Research Programme, All-Island Cancer Research Institute, AICRIstart, All-Island Cancer Alliances, PPI Ignite Network, the Irish Cancer Society and Research Ireland, the event reflected a shared commitment to building an integrated research and clinical community across the island.
