In August 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, culminating in 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 bylaws of the Federation which was subsequently ratified by the Governing Council which consisted of one member from each member organization in the Federation. Dr. Jatin Shah was elected Secretary General 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 an international directory of members of component member societies and organization of world congresses.

The Federation now has a membership of 31 Head and Neck oncologic organizations from every part of the world. Quadrennial newsletters have been published regularly and world congresses have been held since 1998, starting with the first World Congress in Mumbai, India in December 1997 under the leadership of Dr. Ashok Mehta. The second World Congress was held in December 2002 in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil under the leadership of Dr. Geraldo Matos D’Sa. The third World Congress was held in Prague, Czech Republic from June 27 to July 1, 2006 with Dr. Jan Betka as Congress President. Future congresses of the IFHNOS are planned for Seoul, Korea in 2010 and New York, USA in 2014.

The Federation is able to reach over 5000 specialists, providing care to patients with head and neck cancer through membership of its component societies in every corner of the world. The Federation has successfully attained its initial goal and mission of establishing channels of communication to foster camaraderie amongst professionals involved in the care of patients with head and neck cancer. Future programs of the Federation include standardization of training of specialists in the field of head and neck surgery, radiation oncology, medical oncology and other allied specialties in the field of head and neck cancer.