In this episode of the Oncology Insights Podcast, host Petros Grivas, MD, PhD, FASCO interviews Brittany Barber, MD, MSc, FRCSC, associate professor, division leader and fellowship director of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology at Fred Hutch Cancer Center and UW Medicine. Key topics Barber's career path from training in Canada to New York, and ultimately Seattle, where she joined Fred Hutch nearly nine years ago. Why head and neck cancers present unique challenges because they can affect communication, eating, appearance and quality of life. The value of multidisciplinary care throughout the patient journey, from diagnosis and treatment planning to surgery and recovery. How specialized expertise in head and neck anatomy helps surgeons treat a wide range of cancers and complex conditions. HPV-related head and neck cancers, the importance of vaccination and why incidence rates are expected to continue rising in the coming years. The unexplained increase in lateral and anterior tongue cancers among younger women without a history of smoking, and why researchers do not believe these cancers are HPV-related. Research exploring oral cavity cancer risk factors, including diet, sugary beverages and global epidemiology trends. Studies examining bacterial burden and its potential relationship to tumor biology, pathology findings and response to immunotherapy. How fellowship training helps prepare the next generation of clinicians, researchers and leaders in cancer care. Barber's approach to leadership, centered on listening, removing barriers and advancing excellence in patient care, research and education. Timestamps 00:00 - Introducing Dr. Brittany Barber and her leadership roles in head and neck surgical oncology 00:55 - Dr. Barber's path from Canada to Seattle and landing her dream job 02:22 - Why head and neck cancer care is deeply meaningful and clinically complex 03:21 - Surgery and oncology as a team sport, in the OR and across disciplines 04:26 - How a strong collegial culture improves patient care and family experience 05:29 - Managing the wide range of head and neck cancer types through anatomy and teamwork 07:23 - HPV vaccination and the continuing rise in HPV related cancer incidence 07:56 - The unexplained increase in tongue cancers in young non-smoking women 09:08 - Possible non-HPV explanations, including diet, exposures, and toxins 10:13 - Research on early onset oral cavity cancer and global epidemiology 11:38 - Sugary beverages, diet quality, and oral cavity cancer risk in women 12:31 - Bacterial burden, histopathology, and possible links to immunotherapy response 14:45 - Why fellowship training is rewarding and how trainees carry the field forward 17:44 - Collaboration with community colleagues across a huge geographic region 18:13 - Tumor board consultations that help patients avoid unnecessary travel 20:33 - Rare cancers, high-volume experience, and why this setting drives research 21:52 - The role of nursing, support staff, and professional curiosity in making the work possible
