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Duke Cancer Institute hosted its patient focused program, Healing from Head and Neck Cancer, on April 18, 2026, in Durham, North Carolina, bringing together cancer survivors, clinicians, and support organizations to focus on recovery, long-term care, and improving quality of life after treatment. The event saw strong engagement from head and neck cancer patients and survivors, with attendees actively participating in discussions centered on survivorship and daily life after treatment. The program covered a broad range of topics, including advances in immunotherapy, ongoing clinical trials, and multidisciplinary approaches to cancer care. Additional sessions addressed practical aspects of recovery such as nutrition, speech and swallowing rehabilitation, and endocrine-related cancer management.
The program was led by Dr. Walter Lee, Professor and Chief of Staff in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences at Duke University Medical Center and Co-Director of the Head and Neck Program at Duke Cancer Institute. Dr. Lee is widely recognized for his leadership in multidisciplinary cancer care, integrating surgical expertise with comprehensive patient-centered treatment strategies to improve both outcomes and survivorship. He was joined by Dr. Jared Robbins, Professor of Radiation Oncology at the Duke University School of Medicine, whose work focuses on advanced radiation therapy techniques for head and neck cancers. His approach emphasizes precision treatment planning to enhance effectiveness while minimizing side effects and preserving essential functions such as speech and swallowing.
A key highlight of the event was the emphasis on quality of life after cancer treatment. Among the most important areas discussed was oral health, which continues to be a top priority for patients managing long-term treatment effects. Maintaining a healthy oral environment plays a critical role in reducing complications such as dry mouth, irritation, and infection, ultimately supporting overall recovery and comfort.
H2Ocean participated in the event as a Silver Sponsor, supporting the program’s mission to advance patient education and survivorship care. The H2Ocean booth attracted significant interest, with many patients and caregivers engaging in discussions about oral health and recovery. Complimentary samples of Healing Rinse Sea Salt Mouthwash were distributed, allowing attendees to experience a gentle, mineral rich natural oral care solution designed to support post-treatment healing. H2Ocean Sea Salt mouthwash is also recognized as most natural mouthwash in the market place by Yahoo Health.
Dr. Rajiv Saini, Chief Scientific Officer, H2Ocean, attended the event and personally interacted with patients. He provided insights into the role of natural, science based oral care products in managing cancer treatment related oral complications (Chemo Mouth). “Survivorship is about restoring quality of life, not just extending it. Oral health plays a central role in that journey, and it was inspiring to see such strong patient engagement at Duke,” said Dr. Rajiv Saini.
H2Ocean’s commitment to cancer survivorship extends beyond individual events. The event also featured patient stories, peer-to-peer support sessions, and expert-led discussions, creating a collaborative environment that combined clinical knowledge with real-world patient experiences. H2Ocean is proud to support initiatives that prioritize patient well-being and advance a holistic approach to cancer care.
