Art display raises awareness of head and neck cancer

Judit Matthews lost her father to cancer in 2010

An art exhibition has been opened by health officials in south-east England to raise awareness of head and neck cancer.

Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust launched the display of work from four artists at the East Surrey Hospital in Redhill.

The exhibition, which capture the resilience and courage of cancer survivors, was launched ahead of World Head and Neck Cancer Day on Saturday.

Patients treated at the hospital also shared their stories of hope, perseverance and life after diagnosis at the event.

Dr Karan Kapoor, an ear, nose and throat consultant at the hospital, said the exhibition - titled 'Faces of Survival' - was a source of hope for patients, their friends and family.

He added: "If people are less intimidated by the prospect of what might be, they will come earlier to seek professional help and have better outcomes.”

The exhibition aimed to highlight the emotional journey of cancer

More than 12,800 new cases of head and neck cancer are diagnosed each year - about 35 people every day, according to data from the trust.

Head and neck cancers are the eighth most common cancers overall, according to statistics.