For many years a Head & Neck Surgery special interest group existed as a subgroup within the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery. The interests of this group were directed towards individuals whose practice involves mostly head and neck cancer surgery. As the sub-specialty of Head and Neck Surgery continued to evolve so did the different academic, educational, research and clinical challenges facing head and neck surgeons practicing in Canada.

The concept of a Canadian Association of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology (CAHNSO) first arose in 2010 during meetings between multiple different Head and Neck Surgeons practicing in both academic and private practices from across Canada. The mandate of an organization such as CAHNSO would be to help promote excellence in the surgical treatment of head and neck cancers and other diseases, and to provide educational resources, help enable research and strive to advance the sub-specialty of Head and Neck Surgery in Canada.

During the 67th Annual meeting of the Canadian Society of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery the Head and Neck Surgery special interest group met and reviewed the concept of forming a more formal association. Terms of reference of such an association were discussed, reviewed, voted on and then ratified officially forming the Canadian Association of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology (CAHNSO). CAHNSO hopes to be an inclusive association dedicated to advancing all aspects of head and neck cancer surgery with the cooperation of health care professionals, patients and the community.