Frequently Asked Questions: IFHNOS & WHNCD

1. What is IFHNOS?

International Federation of Head and Neck Oncology Societies (IFHNOS) is a global organization established through cooperation of national and regional Societies and Organizations in the specialty of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology with membership from national and regional multidisciplinary organizations, representing 50 countries. The purpose of this organization is to provide a common platform for specialists in the field of Head and Neck Cancer to interact in professional matters of mutual interest. To know more about IFHNOS visit http://www.ifhnos.net

2. Who are the office bearers of IFHNOS?

Founder & CEO :	Jatin P. Shah, USA
Director :	Claudio Roberto Cernea, Brasil
Secretary General :	Pankaj Chaturvedi, India
Treasurer :	James Paul O’Neill, Dublin
Chair Of The Council :	Ashok R. Shaha, USA
Executive Committee :	Dauren Adilbay, Kazakhstan Dan Fliss, Israel Ehab Hanna, U.S.A. Sefik Hosal, Turkey Hesham Negm, Egypt Ken Ichi Nibu, Japan Benedict Panizza, Australia Snehal Patel, U.S.A. Giuseppe Spriano, Italy Zhenkun Yu, China

3. What are the primary activities of IFHNOS?

The federation conducts quadrennial global Congresses involving multidisciplinary specialists in Head and Neck Cancer in various parts of the world. In addition it provides Global Continuing Medical Education (CME), through its World Tour programs, conducted by world leaders in the specialties of Surgical, Medical and Radiation Oncology, and allied specialties. It also offers Online Educational Module, International Observership Program and Global Online Fellowship Program. To know more about these activities of IFHNOS, visit http://www.ifhnos.net

4. Why celebrate World Head & Neck Cancer Day?

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) with a global incidence of over 500,000 cases and 200,000 deaths annually is the leading cause of mortality and disability in many parts of the world. It mainly affects people in the productive age-group, yet most of this mortality and morbidity is preventable. To draw the world’s attention on effective care and control of HNSCC, IFHNOS declared 27th July as World Head & Neck Cancer Day (WHNCD).

5. When was July 27th declared World Head & Neck Cancer Day?

IFHNOS declared 27th July as World Head & Neck Cancer Day on the occasion of its 5th World Congress ( http://www.ahns2014.org/ ), in New York on 27th July 2014, the largest gathering of Head and Neck Cancer specialists in history.

6. How many countries have endorsed WHNCD?

The declaration has been endorsed by 52 Head & Neck Oncology societies of 45 countries in the world. The International Union against Cancer (UICC) and governments from several nations including India, Israel and others have also endorsed the declaration.

7. What are the Target areas of WHNCD?

WHNCD targets two areas:
1) Advocacy for strengthening health care system and introduce community-based approaches for awareness, risks, prevention and early detection of HNSCC.
2) Enhance expertise of Physicians by upgrading their knowledge and skills through CME programs.
This will entail holding Conferences, Seminars, Courses and CME programs on that day.

8. What cancers are prioritized during WHNCD?

Cancers of oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, nasopharynx and larynx are prioritized during WHNCD.

9. Who should celebrate world Head & Neck Cancer Day?

All the countries of the world should celebrate WHNCD as Head & Neck Cancer Day.
It is a common health problem in many parts of the world.
The events can be hosted by government organizations, non-government organizations, civil societies, medical societies, patient support groups, and medical care facilities, hospitals, medical schools, and cancer centers etc.

10. How to celebrate World Head & Neck Cancer Day?

You can organize a CME on 27th July commemorating WHNCD. During the CME you can focus on:
a. Educating the physicians on early diagnosis, current treatment paradigms, and frontiers in research in Head and Neck Cancer
b. Awareness programs for the general public.
c. Free screening for Head & Neck cancers.
d. Interaction with cancer survivors and their families.
e. Interaction with government and policy makers.

It is preferable to involve newspaper and television media, NGOs and Government representatives in your programs.

11. Do I need to pay any amount to IFHNOS to host this event?

No. Hosting this event is completely on a voluntary basis and you don’t have to pay anyone to host this event.

12. Do I need to take approval for my WHNCD event from IFHNOS ?

No. You have full freedom to decide on the agenda as long as it is related to the mission statement of (WHNCD).

13. Is there any funding available to organize WHNCD events?

There are no funds available from IFHNOS to sponsor such an event. However, organizers at each event are free to raise funds for the conduct of such events.

14. In case I`m not able to organize the event on 27th July can I do it on any other day?

Due to logistic reasons it is anticipated that some organizers will find it difficult to host the event on 27th July.
In such a situation WHNCD can be commemorated anytime in the preceding week or during the rest of the week, following July 27.
It is however important to identify any such activity as “In recognition of the WHNCD”.

15. Where will I get posters, publicity material to celebrate WHNCD?

All the posters, publicity materials and relevant information will be available on the IFHNOS website by end of May 2016.

16. Do I need to work with media?

Yes, it is very important to work with the media to highlight the purpose and the objectives that we have set for ourselves.
You may prepare your own press release for dissemination. A prototype of press release will made available on the website by first week of July.

17. How will I be benefited by hosting a WHNCD event?

Remember that Head & Neck cancers are an important public health problem.
This event will help you show your own commitment and that of your institution, for this important public health issue.
The media release will give you social and professional recognition and visibility amongst the policy makers. IFHNOS, as a token of appreciation, will send you a certificate of appreciation once you submit your report to your country coordinator and will publicize your name as an “Event organizer of WHNCD", on its web site.

18. What is the role of a country coordinator?

IFHNOS governing body has nominated coordinators for every country after a careful selection process. It is indeed a matter of pride for being nominated as a representative of your country.
The role of a country coordinator is:
a. Motivate your Government to support WHNCD.
b. Conduct CME under your own leadership and work with medical societies dealing with Head Neck cancers to organize nationwide events to promote the ethos of WHNCD.
c. Work with the media to highlight different aspects of Head Neck Cancer such as prevention, early detection, management, quality of life etc.
d. Report a compilation of all the WHNCD activities in their country to the IFHNOS secretariat by September 2016.

19. Whom should I send my report following the conduct of the event?

The country coordinators have been requested to collate the report of WHNCD events in their country.
The collated information will be sent to the WHNCD secretariat.
Please find the name of the country coordinator on List of Country Coordinators.
Kindly copy all the mails to whancd@gmail.com

20. Whom should I contact for any further query or assistance?

You can contact the Global coordinator for WHNCD.
Professor Pankaj Chaturvedi
Department of of Head & Neck Surgery
1227, Homi Bhabha Block
Tata Memorial Hospital
Dr. E. Borges Road
Parel, Mumbai
India 400012
Email: chaturvedi.pankaj@gmail.com