It can be prevented by making changes in lifestyle
It can be prevented by making changes in lifestyle
The occurrence of cancer is increasing globally as well as in India. As per ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) 17 lac new cancer cases will be diagnosed annually by 2020.
Head and neck cancers account for about 30% of all cancers in India. Of these, about 1/4th cases are found in men and 1/10th are found in females.. Poverty, illiteracy, late diagnosis (about 60 to 80 % patients consult doctors during advance stages) and lack of access to healthcare pose major challenge in management of head and neck cancer.
In our country, about 70 to 80 % cancer patients consult specialists during advanced stages and hence, poor outcomes are quite likely. According to various surveys by concerned authorities, 50 % of cancers in India can be attributed to lifestyle or bad habits which include consumption of tobacco (chewing or smoking), alcohol, other forms of addiction, obesity etc.
In order to avoid late diagnosis of head and neck cancer, pay attention to these symptoms – trismus (difficulty in opening mouth), any ulcer or patch or swelling in oral cavity, any swelling in neck, hoarseness or change in voice, difficulty or pain while swallowing, persistent cough despite treatment, etc. One should consult specialists immediately on experiencing any of these symptoms.
Treatment modalities for head and neck cancers include surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As majority of patients present themselves in advanced stages, they require all three modalities of treatment. For head and neck cancer control, emphasis should be on preventing the onset (avoiding tobacco and alcohol, focusing on dental hygiene and regular oral examination) and detecting the disease at an early stage.
It encompasses cancers of the oral cavity, tongue, tonsils, oropharynx, and larynx.
The introduction of the newer modalities of systemic treatment has made impact in better survival outcomes.
Symptoms of head & neck cancer include blood in phlegm, lump in the neck, skin changes, change in voice, difficulty in swallowing and a sore that does not heal.
The use of radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy has been demonstrated to yield more positive results over just use of radiotherapy alone.
People consuming tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk of developing this cancer
Multi-disciplinary approach with new surgical and radiation techniques, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy can help in reducing morbidity rates.
It can be prevented by making changes in lifestyle
Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. There are approximately 650,000 cases and 200,000 deaths from this disease every year.
Keep an eye out for the symptoms and visit a physician as early as possible.
One of the major causes of the disease is tobacco use.
Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are the treatment options.
Head and neck cancer collectively refers to cancers of the oral cavity, salivary glands, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, and paranasal sinuses.
Of the 10 lakh cases of cancer detected in the country every year, around 2 lakh are cancers of the head and neck, says oncologist.
The country has one of the highest rates of oral cancer in the world due to tobacco use, and the rates are still increasing.
Infection with HPV, overexposure to UV rays, and advancing age are the other risk factors.
According to oncologist, a lump in the neck can be the first sign.
Usage of tobacco and alcohol is associated with a high risk of developing head and neck cancer.
Alcohol and tobacco addiction are the most common causes.
Tobacco and alcohol are the main causes. People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at a greater risk than those who use only one or the other.
According to expert, the above is a symptom of head and neck cancer.
Oncologist remembers the case of a 30-something man who was diagnosed with head and neck cancer.
Persistent mouth ulcers and a lump in the throat are the major symptoms.
The combined consumption of alcohol and tobacco reportedly increases the risk of head and mouth cancer by 15 times.
These cancers affect more men than women. For men alone, there were 92,000 new cases of throat and tongue cancer last year.
These cancers are caused due to tobacco use. Excessive consumption of alcohol, advancing age, and Human Papilloma Virus infection are the other contributory factors.
The other risk factors include consumption of alcohol and infection with Human Papilloma Virus.
Cancers developing in or around the mouth, pharynx, larynx, nose, or sinuses are broadly referred to as head and neck cancer.
