Beneath the surFACE (BTS) is a powerful and creative health education program developed by the Upstate Cancer Center, in collaboration with students from Nottingham High School. The program combines health and art to raise awareness about head and neck cancers—and how they can be prevented.

Head and neck cancer is one of the most physically and emotionally challenging cancers, affecting a person’s ability to eat, speak and breathe. The good news? Up to 90% of these cancers are preventable with the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine—recommended for all children starting at age nine.

Each year, public health students from Syracuse University’s Falk College present the BTS curriculum to Nottingham High School’s health and art students. Then, the art students get creative: they transform radiation masks—used by real patients during treatment—into stunning works of art. These pieces tell powerful stories of strength, struggle and survival, giving a voice to those impacted by cancer.

HPV doesn’t just cause head and neck cancers. It’s also linked to cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile and anal cancers. The CDC reports that 90% of HPV-related cancers could be prevented if everyone received the full vaccine series.

The students’ work will be on display in the Social Hall during the month of May. Want to learn more or get involved? Contact:

• Theresa DeRosa, Health Teacher, Nottingham High School
• Christina Ferlenda, Art Teacher, Nottingham High School
• Martha Ryan, RN, MPS, BTS Coordinator, Upstate Cancer Center ryanmart@upstate.edu, 315-415-0682