Mouth Cancer Foundation: Changing of The Guard

For over 20 years the Mouth Cancer Foundation has existed to improve the lives of mouth, head and neck cancer patients, survivors and carers while also saving lives through early detection by raising awareness within the dental profession and general public.  The charity, which was set up by Dr Vinod Joshi, was born out of the success of sharing patient and survivor stories, and then creating the world’s first online support group for mouth, head and neck cancer patients.  We have come along way and I look forward to growing the charity, supporting more patients and raising greater awareness”.

Mouth Cancer Foundation President, Joss Harding

The Mouth Cancer Foundation today announces a significant leadership transition, marking a new chapter in its mission to improve outcomes for people affected by mouth, head and neck cancers.

Dental Hygienist, Joss Harding is appointed President, succeeding Maxillofacial Surgeon, Mahesh Kumar, who will continue to support the charity as Past President and Clinical Ambassador.  Specialty Registrar in Restorative Dentistry, Tripat Mahajan steps into the role of President Elect, bringing further clinical expertise and leadership to the organisation.

A new era of impact

Joss Harding, who was voted in at a recent AGM held by the Charity’s Board of Trustees, takes over the unpaid day-to-day Presidency following three years as President Elect.

“I am honoured to lead the Mouth Cancer Foundation at such an important time,” she said. “We are building on a powerful legacy, one where patients are at the heart of what we do and we will continue to make real patient impact.  My focus is to strengthen the Mouth Cancer Foundation; expand our reach and ensure we continue to support those who need us most.”

Under Joss’s leadership, the Charity will prioritise:

• Support: Strengthening patient support services, including offering patient grants to head and neck cancer patients in the UK, late effects for patients post treatment, offering increased online and helpline opportunities for patients.  For professionals we could support small, local research projects
• Education: Expand mouth cancer awareness in Dental Schools, Schools of Dental Hygiene, Dental Therapy and Dental Technicians, as well as launch the Dental Team Accreditation Scheme for all Dental professionals working in practice.
• Growth: Driving sustainable growth through increased fundraising activities and growing the Mouth Cancer Foundation Awareness Walks programme.

Joss also emphasised the importance of collaboration: “We are proud to work alongside leading organisations in oral health and cancer care. The next step is to deepen those partnerships and amplify our collective impact.”

Continuity and collaboration

Tripat Mahajan, a Specialty Registrar in Restorative Dentistry based in Manchester, joins the leadership team as President Elect.

I feel honoured to take on this role and to support the Mouth Cancer Foundation’s vital work in raising awareness of this devastating disease,” she said. “Together, we will continue to push forward initiatives that make a tangible difference to patients and families.”

Mahesh Kumar welcomed the transition, stating:

“The Mouth Cancer Foundation has grown tremendously over the past 20 years. Now is the right time to hand over to a new generation who will take the organisation even further.”

Looking ahead

With a renewed leadership team and a clear strategic vision, the Mouth Cancer Foundation is poised to scale its impact: raising awareness, improving early detection and enhancing support for patients, survivors and carers across the UK.

For full details of ‘Who is Who’ and what they do at the Mouth Cancer Foundation visit the charity’s website.