‘About Face’ Survey
(Data: 2008)

Introduction

• The ‘About Face’ survey was conducted in conjunction with the European Head & Neck Society (EHNS) in seven European countries – France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden and the UK
• The survey was carried out to gauge awareness of head and neck cancer amongst the general public across Europe, specifically investigating knowledge of the condition, its symptoms and risk factors

Methodology

• A total of 7,520 responses were received with a similar number of respondents from each country: France (1,062), Germany (1,078), Italy (1,104), Netherlands (1,101), Spain (1,090), Sweden (1,083) and the UK (1,002)
• The data was collected from consumers via an internet-based omnibus survey between 18th – 22nd September 2008
• The survey was developed and implemented by TNS Healthcare, a global market research agency, based in London

Key findings

Overall the survey revealed worryingly low levels of awareness about head and neck cancer, its risk factors and some of it symptoms ◦Awareness of the term head and neck cancer is low, with 75% of respondents stating they were not familiar with the term

• 70% of people surveyed were not aware of the numbers of people affected by head and neck cancer in Europe
• 1 in 5 believed that head and neck cancer affects fewer than 1,000 people in Europe, some one hundred times less than the correct figure and indicative of how the impact of the condition is underestimated
• There is a lack of knowledge of body parts affected by head and neck cancer with 60% of respondents incorrectly identifying the brain as an organ affected by the disease
• Many potential risk factors such as age, sex and exposure to the HPV virus are largely unknown to the public with only the more obvious risk factors of smoking and drinking being correctly identified
• Many potential symptoms such as earache and a persistent congested nose are not recognized by the majority of the general public
• The survey does provide clues to the late presentation/diagnosis of many patients with head and neck cancer and points to a need for further education on the disease, its symptoms and risk factors for both the general public and healthcare professionals