Salivary Gland Cancer UK
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  • About Us
    • Our Mission
    • The Story so Far - Our 5 year impact Report (2024)
    • Our 8 Aims
    • SGC Research
    • SGC Research Grants
    • UK Salivary Gland Cancer Research Working Group (UKSGCWG)
    • SGC Travel Grants
    • Board of Directors
    • Our Partners
    • Salivary Gland Cancer UK Mascots
    • PPIE (Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement) Work
  • Treatment Options
    • Diagnosis
    • Surgery
    • Radiotherapy
    • Drug Therapies
      • Drug Therapies - Immunotherapy
    • Clinical Trials
    • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
    • Gene profiling or tumour profiling or genomic testing
    • Patient follow up after treatment for SGC
  • Our Stories
    • Alex's story
    • Alison's story
    • Allison D's story
    • Barry's story
    • Christine's story
    • Dawn's story
    • Heather's story
    • Ian's story
    • Jade's story
    • Jamie's story
    • Jev's story
    • Jim's story
    • Karen's story
    • Matilda's story
    • Sarah's story
    • Shane's story
    • Susan's story
  • Patient and Carer Support
    • Anxiety Management Techniques
    • Exercise for the head, neck and shoulder area
    • Returning to Work
    • Tips on communicating with an electrolarynx
    • How can I best support my mother?
    • Kemi shares her advice for supporting a loved one with cancer
    • Radiotherapy Treatment and Late Effects
      • The Late Effects of Radiotherapy Treatment with Emma Hallam, Consultant Therapeutic Radiographer
      • What is Radiation Induced Fibrosis? And How To Reduce Its Effects
      • Tips for Salivary Gland Cancer Patients Living with Radiotherapy Late Effects
      • Top tips for radiotherapy treatment from our network member Dawn
    • Dawn's tips for someone close to someone with Salivary Gland Cancer
    • Pain
    • Quality of Life (QoL) in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) Patients with Dr Joe Haigh
    • Mindfulness Practice with Emma Hallam, Consultant Therapeutic Radiographer
    • Psychological Support for those affected by Salivary Gland Cancers
  • Support SGC UK (and get involved)
    • Join Our Network (and get our newsletter)
    • Donate tissue to the Biobank
    • Our 2025 Events (gatherings and webinars)
    • Donate and help our work
    • Patient – Researcher Trial Discussions
    • Podcasts and Videos
    • Volunteering with SGC UK at a conference or event
    • Salivary Gland Cancer Day - 4th October
      • Salivary Gland Cancer Awareness Day - What to expect
    • SGC UK Shareable Resources
    • Leaflets and Flyers
    • Ribbon badges, baseball caps, trolley coin fobs and more in our shop
  • Salivary Gland Cancers
    • A guide to different types of Salivary Gland Cancers
    • Acinic Cell Carcinoma (AcCC)
    • Adenocarcinoma
    • Adenocarcinoma, NOS
    • Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC)
    • Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma (BCAC)
    • Hyalinising Clear Cell Carcinoma (CCC)
    • Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma (MEC) & Warthin-like MEC
    • Salivary Duct Carcinoma (SDC)
    • Secretory Carcinoma (SC)
    • Polymorphus adenocarcinoma (PAC)
    • Carcinosarcoma
    • Myoepithelial carcinoma (MC)
  • Body sites affected by SGC
    • Major Salivary Glands - Parotid, Sublingual and Submandibular
    • Secretory Glands - The Lacrimal Gland
    • Secretory Glands - Bartholin's Gland
    • Secretory Glands - The Lining of the Trachea
    • Skin
    • Nerves in the Head and Neck - Trigeminal Nerve
    • Nerves in the Head and Neck - Optic Nerve
    • Bone Structures in the Face
    • The Spine
    • Breast
    • The Ears
    • The Eye
    • How we taste
    • How we swallow
  • Fundraising for SGC UK
    • Run
    • Walk
    • Swim
    • Some fundraising ideas
    • Paying in the funds you've raised
    • Fundraising at work
    • Leaving a gift in your will
  • Salivary Gland Cancer Science - Research Updates
    • Salivary gland cancer: new classifications and diagnostic challenges
    • Association of quality of life with mortality in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma using an internationally-validated QoL questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L)
    • Tracheal Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: why studying it matters - and how biobanks help
    • New study examining disruption of oncogenic pathways in mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC)
    • New study reveals late recurrence and low survival rate of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the breast
    • New study using real-world UK data supports the use of HER2-directed therapies for HER2-positive salivary gland cancers
  • UK Salivary Gland Cancer Research Working Group (UKSGCRWG)
    • Research Working Group Members
    • RQ 1. Address the utility of Guidelines for Salivary Gland Cancers (SGC)
    • RQ 2. Assess the variation in histopathology reporting for Salivary Gland Cancers (SGC)
    • RQ 3. Standardise the decision-making processes for patients who have technically operable, Salivary Gland Cancer (SGC), where the surgery carries high morbidity
    • RQ 4. Improve the diagnostic pathway for Salivary Gland Cancer (SGC) patients
Join Our Network Add to Biobank Our Events Donate Shop

Working for those with rare salivary gland cancers.

Acinic Cell Carcinoma (AcCC)
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma, NOS
Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC)
Basal Cell Adenocarcinoma (BCAC)
Clear Cell Carcinoma (CCC)
Salivary Duct Carcinoma (SDC)
Secretory Carcinoma (SC)
Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma (MEC)
Myoepithelial Carcinoma (MC)
Carcinosarcoma
Polymorphous Adenocarcinoma

Anxiety Management Techniques

Dr Elaine Mayon-White, Counselling Psychologist, discusses anxiety management techniques after being diagnosed with salivary gland cancer.

Nerves in the Head and Neck - Optic Nerve

Here you will find some diagrams and details around the different nerves in the head and neck area of our bodies.

Nerves in the Head and Neck - Trigeminal Nerve

Here you will find some diagrams and details around the different nerves in the head and neck area of our bodies.

Secretory Glands - The Lacrimal Gland

Here you will find some diagrams and details around the different secretory glands in our bodies.

Major Salivary Glands - Parotid, Sublingual and Submandibular

Here you will find some diagrams and details around the different major salivary glands in our bodies.

Walk

There are lots of ways you can help transform life for people with salivary gland cancer, just by putting one foot in front of the other.

Our Mission

Shane Draper, Salivary Gland Cancer UK Trustee, talks about how SGC UK is growing, our 8 aims and our work for patients

Our 8 Aims

Through patient-clinician collaboration, we have formulated our 8 core aims, which drive our work

SGC Research Grants

Apply for research funding. We welcome all applications that are aligned with our strategy.

Dawn's tips for someone close to someone with Salivary Gland Cancer

Dawn share her suggestions for someone close to someone with Salivary Gland Cancer in this short video

Previous stories Load more stories
Salivary Gland Cancers
Our Stories
Patient and Carer Support
Support SGC UK (and get involved)
about 9 hours ago Happy Halloween! 🎃 While you’re enjoying all the spooky treats, don't forget the importance of good oral health, especially for those who have undergone salivary gland cancer surgery. We have a series of helpful videos on our YouTube channel that cover tips for managing your oral health post-operatively. Check them out to learn more about care and recovery. #SalivaryGlandCancer #OralHealth #Halloween #CancerRecovery #YouTube @SGCancerUK
about 3 days ago Our work is only possible with the support of dedicated volunteers. Whether you can help with events, fundraising, or administrative tasks, your time and effort can make a huge impact on the lives of SGC patients and their families. To learn more about how you can get involved, please visit our website. #Volunteer #GiveBack #SGCUK #CharityWork #Community #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay #GetInvolved #SupportResearch #AwarenessMatters @SGCancerUK
about 8 days ago One of our key aims is to empower patients and carers with knowledge. We believe that informed patients can make better decisions about their care and feel more in control of their journey. We are dedicated to providing clear, accessible information on our website. #SGCUKMission #PatientEmpowerment #KnowYourOptions #CancerKnowledgeeminds us that no one is alone. You can watch stories from our community and share your own on our YouTube channel. ➡️ #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay #LivedExperience #PatientStories #SGCUK @SGCancerUK
about 10 days ago Research saves lives. By donating tumour tissue to the Biobank at The Christie, you can help researchers better understand SGC and improve future treatment options. This vital step can also help with personal gene profiling to improve your own treatment outcome. Find out more here: #TumourTissue #CancerResearch #Biobank #GeneProfiling #SGCUK @SGCancerUK
about 15 days ago Spotlight on a Rare Cancer: Hyalinising Clear Cell Carcinoma Did you know there are over 20 types of salivary gland cancer? Today, we're putting the spotlight on Clear Cell Carcinoma (CCC). CCC is a rare and typically non-aggressive salivary gland cancer that often appears as a slow-growing, painless lump in the minor salivary glands of the mouth, like in the lips or cheeks. It affects slightly more women than men, usually between the ages of 40 and 80. A key to diagnosing CCC is genetic analysis, as researchers have found that most cases have a specific gene fusion. The main treatment is surgery, and the long-term outlook is generally good with a low chance of the tumour returning. By understanding the different types of salivary gland cancer, we can help raise awareness and support for the en#cancerawareness #ClearCellCarcinoma #CCC #SalivaryGlandCancer #RareCancer #CancerAwareness @SGCancerUK
about 17 days ago We've officially launched our new TikTok channel! Follow us for short, engaging videos that break down complex topics, share quick well-being tips, and give you a peek behind the scenes. Come say hi and join our growing community there! #SGConTikTok #TikTokLaunch #CancerEducation #SGCUK #NewChannel @SGCancerUK
about 22 days ago "It's about finding strength in the face of the unknown." We hear this so often from patients. Hearing personal stories reminds us we are not alone. If you feel comfortable, please share a part of your journey in the comments or send us a message. Your experience can inspire and help others. #SGCStory #PatientVoices #Community #CancerSupport #YouAreNotAlone @SGCancerUK
about 23 days ago What a day we had on Saturday - The first ever Salivary Gland Cancer Awareness Day was held at Manchester Art Gallery including patients and clincians coming together to share their stories, experiences, research, hopes and plans for the future. - Thanks to everyone who came, those who supported, all those who shared on social media.... we are so excited to see where this bright beginning takes us. #sgcday #SalivaryGlandCancerDay @SGCancerUK
about 24 days ago What an incredible day at The Big Half! A huge thank you to every single one of our runners who took on the 13.1-mile course. Your determination and hard work have raised vital funds that will directly support our mission. Feeling inspired? There are so many ways you can get involved and make a difference. Check out our website for upcoming events and opportunities to join our team of fundraising heroes! #TheBigHalf #Fundraising #CharityRunner #SGCUK #JoinTheTeam @SGCancerUK
about 27 days ago Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this day a success! This is a marathon, not a sprint. Together, we are building a stronger, more informed, and more supportive community. Let's keep the momentum going and keep pushing forwards. #OneCommunityOneCause #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay @SGCancerUK
Thank you to everyone who joined us in making this day a success! This is a marathon, not a sprint. Together, we are building a stronger, more informed, and more supportive community. Let's keep the momentum going and keep pushing forwards.

#OneCommunityOneCause #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay
@sgcanceruk
about 27 days ago Our eighth and final core aim is to support the development of standard drug treatments for salivary gland cancers to improve life expectancy and survivorship. We are doing this by: ✔️Supporting basic research into the biology of individual salivary gland cancers. ✔️Supporting translational research that turns this basic knowledge into effective treatments. ✔️Developing and pushing forward drug trials to test the effectiveness of both existing drugs and those specifically developed to target a particular salivary gland cancer. This work is at the heart of our mission to find better ways to treat these rare cancers and improve patient outcomes. #SalivaryGlandCancerUK #CancerTreatment #DrugTrials #Research #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay @SGCancerUK
about 27 days ago Our seventh core aim is to support the development of surgical and radiotherapy treatments to deliver improved survivorship and quality-of-life post-treatment for salivary gland cancer patients. We are focused on: ✔️Improving the treatments themselves, aiming for higher success rates and fewer long-term side effects. ✔️Enhancing post-treatment life, helping patients not just survive, but thrive, with a better quality of life. This is about more than just fighting cancer; it's about rebuilding lives. #SalivaryGlandCancerUK #SurgicalTreatment #QualityOfLife #Survivorship #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay #LWBC @SGCancerUK
Our eighth and final core aim is to support the development of standard drug treatments for salivary gland cancers to improve life expectancy and survivorship. We are doing this by:

✔️Supporting basic research into the biology of individual salivary gland cancers.

✔️Supporting translational research that turns this basic knowledge into effective treatments.

✔️Developing and pushing forward drug trials to test the effectiveness of both existing drugs and those specifically developed to target a particular salivary gland cancer.

This work is at the heart of our mission to find better ways to treat these rare cancers and improve patient outcomes.

#SalivaryGlandCancerUK #CancerTreatment #DrugTrials #Research #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay
@sgcanceruk
about 27 days ago Our sixth core aim is to understand the effectiveness of different types of radiotherapy for specific salivary gland cancers. We are dedicated to: ✔️Gathering data and insights on how various radiotherapy techniques impact patient outcomes. ✔️Working with researchers and clinicians to identify the most effective and least toxic treatments for each type of salivary gland cancer. This work is crucial for optimising care and improving long-term health. #SalivaryGlandCancerUK #Radiotherapy #CancerResearch #BetterTreatment #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay @SGCancerUK
Our seventh core aim is to support the development of surgical and radiotherapy treatments to deliver improved survivorship and quality-of-life post-treatment for salivary gland cancer patients. We are focused on:

✔️Improving the treatments themselves, aiming for higher success rates and fewer long-term side effects.

✔️Enhancing post-treatment life, helping patients not just survive, but thrive, with a better quality of life.

This is about more than just fighting cancer; it's about rebuilding lives.
#SalivaryGlandCancerUK #SurgicalTreatment #QualityOfLife #Survivorship #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay #LWBC
@sgcanceruk
about 27 days ago Our fifth core aim is to support the development of standardised guidelines for the management and surveillance of individual salivary gland cancers. With these being rare cancers, guidelines can vary. We're helping to: ✔️Ensure consistent, high-quality care across the country. ✔️Provide clear protocols for managing these cancers, from initial treatment to long-term follow-up. Standardised care ensures that every patient gets the best possible support, no matter where they are. #SalivaryGlandCancerUK #ClinicalGuidelines #BestPractice #Healthcare #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay @SGCancerUK
Our sixth core aim is to understand the effectiveness of different types of radiotherapy for specific salivary gland cancers. We are dedicated to:

✔️Gathering data and insights on how various radiotherapy techniques impact patient outcomes.

✔️Working with researchers and clinicians to identify the most effective and least toxic treatments for each type of salivary gland cancer.

This work is crucial for optimising care and improving long-term health.
#SalivaryGlandCancerUK #Radiotherapy #CancerResearch #BetterTreatment #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay
@sgcanceruk
about 27 days ago A massive thank you to all those have joined us today at the Manchester Art Gallery today for the Inaugural Salivary Gland Cancer Day. We have just enjoyed a lovely lunch and networking and now back to it for the afternoon session featuring more patients and clinicians. #onecommunityonecause #sgcday #salivaryglandcancerday @SGCancerUK
about 27 days ago Our fourth core aim is to optimise the pathways to diagnosis. Navigating the healthcare system can be complex and stressful. We are working to: ✔️Improve the efficiency and speed of the diagnostic process for salivary gland cancers. ✔️Support patients as they move through different stages of diagnosis, from initial consultation to receiving a definitive answer. A smooth and swift pathway to diagnosis can make a world of difference. #SalivaryGlandCancerUK #PatientCare #DiagnosisPathway #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay @SGCancerUK
Our fifth core aim is to support the development of standardised guidelines for the management and surveillance of individual salivary gland cancers. With these being rare cancers, guidelines can vary.
We're helping to:

✔️Ensure consistent, high-quality care across the country.

✔️Provide clear protocols for managing these cancers, from initial treatment to long-term follow-up.

Standardised care ensures that every patient gets the best possible support, no matter where they are.

#SalivaryGlandCancerUK #ClinicalGuidelines #BestPractice #Healthcare #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay
@sgcanceruk
about 27 days ago Our third core aim is to improve the rate of early diagnosis for salivary gland cancers. The sooner a cancer is found, the more treatment options are available. We're committed to: ✔️Educating the public on the signs and symptoms of salivary gland cancers so they know when to seek medical advice. ✔️Working with healthcare professionals to ensure these rare cancers are on their radar for timely diagnosis. Early diagnosis saves lives. Help us spread#primarycare #SalivaryGlandCancerUK #EarlyDiagnosis #HealthAwareness #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay #PrimaryCare @SGCancerUK
Our fourth core aim is to optimise the pathways to diagnosis. Navigating the healthcare system can be complex and stressful. We are working to:

✔️Improve the efficiency and speed of the diagnostic process for salivary gland cancers.

✔️Support patients as they move through different stages of diagnosis, from initial consultation to receiving a definitive answer.

A smooth and swift pathway to diagnosis can make a world of difference.
#SalivaryGlandCancerUK #PatientCare #DiagnosisPathway #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay
@sgcanceruk
about 27 days ago Our second core aim is to support those living with and beyond salivary gland cancer. We are dedicated to: ✔️Understanding the Experience: We want to build a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live with and beyond these cancers, including the physical and emotional challenges. ✔️Improving Lives: We support the development of interventions and resources to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Your experience matters. We're here to listen, learn, and advocate for better care. #SalivaryGlandCancerUK #LifeAfterCancer #PatientSupport #CancerJourney #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay #LWBC @SGCancerUK
Our third core aim is to improve the rate of early diagnosis for salivary gland cancers.
The sooner a cancer is found, the more treatment options are available. We're committed to:

✔️Educating the public on the signs and symptoms of salivary gland cancers so they know when to seek medical advice.

✔️Working with healthcare professionals to ensure these rare cancers are on their radar for timely diagnosis.

Early diagnosis saves lives. Help us spread the word!
#SalivaryGlandCancerUK #EarlyDiagnosis #HealthAwareness #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay #PrimaryCare
@sgcanceruk
about 27 days ago It's #SalivaryGlandCancer Day! Our first core aim is all about connection! We're building vital support and information networks to bring together everyone affected by salivary gland cancers. This means: ✔️Connecting Patients: Providing access to the latest information and a mutual support network so no one has to face their journey alone. ✔️Raising Awareness: We aim to educate both the public and the clinical community on the symptoms and treatments of these rare cancers. ✔️Driving Research: We bring together patients, clinicians, and researchers to push for better diagnosis, improved treatments, and brighter futures. Together, we can create a stronger, more informed community. Follow us and share to help us achieve our mission! #SalivaryGlandCancerUK #RareCancer #Community #CancerAwareness #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay @SGCancerUK
Our second core aim is to support those living with and beyond salivary gland cancer.
We are dedicated to:

✔️Understanding the Experience: We want to build a deeper understanding of what it’s like to live with and beyond these cancers, including the physical and emotional challenges.

✔️Improving Lives: We support the development of interventions and resources to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

✔️Your experience matters. We're here to listen, learn, and advocate for better care.

#SalivaryGlandCancerUK #LifeAfterCancer #PatientSupport #CancerJourney #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay #LWBC
@sgcanceruk
Thank you so much for sharing and showing your support, it's amazing - today is so exciting seeing everyone come together. @sgcanceruk
about 27 days ago Today is World Salivary Gland Cancer Awareness Day! There are more than 20 types of this cancer, and because they are so rare, diagnosis is often poor and treatment is limited. This is why our work is so vital. Help us raise a global voice today by sharing this post. #WorldSGCAwarenessDay #SalivaryGlandCancer #RareCancerAwareness #SGCUK #Unite #SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay @SGCancerUK
Today we are launching the worlds first Salivary Gland Cancer Awareness Day!

There are over 20 types of rare salivary gland cancer, but they represent only 0.3% of cancers globally. In the UK they affect about 15 people in every million per year. That is approximately 900 cases per year with 50% in major salivary glands in the head & neck, 25% in minor salivary glands in the head & neck and, 25% in non-head & neck i.e. the trachea, breast, Bartholin's gland and skin.  Many of them are less than 1 in a million and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is one of the most common affecting around 5 per million.

There is no risk profile for these cancers and diagnoses are often late. Patients can be asymptomatic or have symptoms that are ‘out of context’ and easily explained by something else, so missed as being cancer. Prognoses are poor and ACC has a high rate of metastasis with distant recurrence despite surgery and radiotherapy. ACC typically grows slowly so patients can live for many years and sometimes decades with slowly growing metastatic tumours.

Surgery is the main treatment and is sometimes combined with radiotherapy. There is a lack of drug therapies, the biologies of these cancers is poorly understood and because they are rare and, research is decades behind other common cancers. More research with is desperately needed to develop new or better treatments.

On October 4th we are launching the worlds first salivary gland cancer day with a theme that highlights the power of unity “One Community, One Cause: Standing Together in Solidarity for Positive Change”.  We want to spread awareness of these cancers and ensure more clinicians, researchers, patients and public are informed, empowered, and supported.

As we launch today at our in person event we will be sharing information on our 8 aims to highlight the unmet needs for these cancers and the people who are affected by them.

Every share, post, and conversation matters. Will you join us?

#SGCDay #SalivaryGlandCancerDay #rarecancer #rarecancerresearch #ACC
@sgcanceruk

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hello@salivaryglandcancer.uk

Salivary Gland Cancer UK, International House, 36-38 Cornhill, London EC3V 3NG

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Salivary Gland Cancer UK is a registered charity number 1182762.