In August of 1986, a proposal was made by Dr. Jatin P. Shah of New York, with support from the Society of Head and Neck Surgeons, to the leadership of head and neck oncologic societies worldwide for establishment of an International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies with the purpose of "establishing channels of communication to enhance exchange of information and improving knowledge as well as exploring new directions in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with head and neck cancer". This proposal was enthusiastically received by leaders in the field from various parts of the world leading to the formation of a steering committee which met on May 1, 1987, in London. Representatives of head and neck organizations from North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia were present. The steering committee drafted the constitution and by-laws of the federation which were subsequently ratified by the Governing Council which-consisted of one member from each member organisation in the Federation. The Secretary-General was elected by unanimous vote of the Governing Council.
Initial programs of the Federation consisted of enlarging the membership of the Federation with compilation of a Newsletter, development of a Directory and organisation of World Conferences. The Federation now has a membership of 25 head and neck oncologic organisations from every part of the world. Newsletters have been published regularly. World conferences have begun starting with the First World Congress in Mumbai, India, in December of 1997 under the leadership of Dr. Ashok Mehta. The Second World Congress is scheduled for December of 2002 in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, under the leadership of Dr. Geraldo Matos De Sa. A world directory of head and neck surgeons, oncologists and allied specialists who are members of the member organizations of the Federation is now completed and will have a membership listing of approximately 4,300 physicians, surgeons, and other specialists involved in the care of patients with head and neck cancer worldwide. The Federation has successfully attained its initial goal and mission of establishment of channels of communication to foster camaraderie amongst professionals involved in the care of patients with head and neck cancer.
