Background Drugs such as statins reduce blood cholesterol, but they may also lower the risk of getting certain cancers, however the evidence surrounding head and neck cancer is inconclusive. In addition, the mechanisms by which these drugs might prevent head and neck cancer requires further evaluation. Statins and similar drugs modify circulating blood factors such as cholesterol, hormones and metabolites which result in the exposure of cells to an environment that may alter the chances of a cancer developing. We want to determine whether such changes to the body’s metabolic environment also influences the likelihood of developing and dying from head and neck cancer. Research approach 1) Analyse large datasets of people with head and neck cancer, to determine if statins and similar drugs causally protect against cancer development and progression. 2) Explore how changes in cholesterol, hormones and metabolite levels might mechanistically prevent head and neck cancer using laboratory studies. 3) Identify potential drug targets for prevention or therapy in head and neck cancer. Impact This project will investigate the link between changes to the body’s cholesterol, hormones and metabolite levels and head and neck cancer. This could help inform targeted cancer screening, prevention and intervention for these patients.