Thank you to supporters of head and neck cancer care at Flinders, whose generosity has purchased an Airvo portable humidifier enabling patients who are receiving palliative end-of life-care to breathe easier and more comfortably. 

The equipment is for dedicated use by patients with an alternate airway such as a tracheostomy or laryngectomy – generally as a result of cancer treatment. 

“Normally, people breathe through their nose which is where air is filtered, moistened and warmed, so when it reaches the lungs it has gone from room temperature to a lovely 37 degrees - the temperature which our lungs are used to and keep everything functioning normally,” Head and Neck Coordinator, Nurse Practitioner Tracey Nicholls (pictured right) explains. 

“But when a patient has a tracheostomy tube or a laryngectomy, breathing occurs through an opening in the neck and the normal heating and filtering system is bypassed. 

“So artificially warmed and moistened air through the Airvo is very comforting and more normal for the lungs to process and provides that extra comfort in a patient's final days by reducing secretions and the need for suctioning and coughing.” 

Every year, generous staff and grateful patients across the Flinders precinct contribute to the Head and Neck Cancer Fund by donating and fundraising. Their collective efforts fund equipment and supplies, enhancing the lives of people living with cancer. 

With your support, we can improve outcomes for head and neck cancers, breathing life into better research, care and treatments for the more than 17,000 Australians living with the side effects of this disease.