Ways To Prevent Head And Neck Cancer

 In the vast majority of cases, head and neck cancer is avoidable. There is a well-established link between cigarette and alcohol use and certain malignancies. Despite attempts to reduce risk factor exposure and improve early detection tools, head and neck cancer is still one of the most frequent cancers globally. 

Recent developments in molecular methods have laid the groundwork for future targets in the early detection and treatment of these cancers. This review summarises recent breakthroughs in primary and secondary prevention of head and neck cancer and creative strategies targeted at lowering the disease's incidence and mortality. The prevention of head and neck cancer in the future will almost certainly necessitate answers to the widespread use of tobacco products and novel diagnostics.

Risk Factors

The following are some of the risk factors for head and neck cancer, which vary depending on the location and kind of cancer:

• Tobacco usage

People who smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes or use smokeless tobacco are more likely to get head and neck cancer. People who have never smoked have a lower risk of developing these malignancies.

• Heavy alcohol drinking 

It increases a person's risk of acquiring head and neck cancer. Combining the use of alcohol and smoke increases the danger much more.

• Nutritional deficiencies

A diet deficient in vitamins A and B can increase the risk of head and neck cancer.

• Long-term exposure to the sun

Long-term exposure to the sun raises the risk of skin cancer in the head and the neck.

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is becoming a more common risk factor for some types of head and neck cancer.

• Poor oral hygiene

 People who neglect their teeth and gums are more likely to get head and neck cancer.

• The Epstein Barr virus

The mononucleosis-causing Epstein-Barr virus is linked to the development of various kinds of head and neck cancer.

Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer

Symptoms of the disease vary depending on where the disease starts and progresses. It may include the following in general:

• There is a lump or swelling in the nose, neck, or throat

• You have a persistent sore throat that won't go away

• When it comes to swallowing, you may experience difficulty or pain

• A change in voice or hoarseness

• A mouth sore or a growth that won’t go away

• Persistent earache

Steps to Reduce the Risk of Head and Neck Cancer

While head and neck cancer cannot be avoided, it can be considerably reduced by following specific precautions. Some of them are as follows:

• Smoking cessation

• Keeping alcohol misuse at bay

• Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet

• Applying sunscreen and lip balm frequently

• Having protected sex

• Keeping good dental hygiene is important

Learn more about the factors that can be avoided to prevent head and neck cancer

Tobacco

Smoking and smokeless tobacco are two forms of tobacco use (snuff and chewing tobacco). People exposed to indirect smoking have a higher risk of developing head and neck cancer.

Stop smoking or chewing tobacco right now to lower your risk of head and neck cancer – and to reduce the risk to those around you. It's not too late to quit if you've been diagnosed with throat cancer or are currently undergoing treatment.

A Combination of Alcohol and Tobacco

Tobacco and alcohol usage together raises the risk of head and neck cancer considerably more than either substance alone. According to studies, people who use cigarettes and alcohol together have a significantly higher risk of oral cancer than people who smoke or only drink. According to the National Institutes of Health, tobacco and alcohol cause over 80% of mouth cancer in males and 65% in women.

The Two Types of Human Papillomavirus: HPV 16 and HPV 18

Cervical cancer is most usually caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). However, there is a clear relationship between HPV infection and head and neck cancers. This is especially true for cancers that start in the oropharynx (the middle part of the throat). In fact, in the United States, HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer is the fastest-growing kind of head and neck cancer.

The strain of HPV to which you were exposed influences your risk of acquiring HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. Some strains, for example, cause skin warts, mouth warts, and genital warts but seldom cause malignancy. Other strains are more dangerous. These are linked to a higher risk of cancer.

Gutka and Betel Quid

Chewers of betel quid or gutka, more common in Asia, have a higher chance of developing head and neck cancer. Avoiding it can save you from the risks of cancer.

Age

Cancers that start in the mouth, for example, might take years to develop. The majority of persons diagnosed with mouth cancer are over 40 years old. The average age at which a person is diagnosed with mouth cancer is at the age of 60.

HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer patients, on the other hand, are typically younger.

Ultraviolet Radiation

People who spend a lot of time in the sun are more likely to get lip cancer and skin cancer. The use of tanning beds can potentially raise the chance of developing cancer on the skin.

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Lung Cancer Prognosis

Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer that occurs in people. In India, it comprises 6.9 percent of all cancer patients. However, cancer accounts for 9.3 percent of all fatalities in both genders, males and females. The highest number of lung cancer cases is prominent in Delhi, Chennai, and Bengaluru, irrespective of gender. The most common diagnosed cause of lung cancer is smoking. However, the survival rate for five years after lung cancer is fifteen percent in developed countries and 5 percent in developing ones. 

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer refers to a disease that is caused due to abnormal function of the two spongy organs in the chest that enable respiration. It is the atypical functioning of cells in the lungs. In such conditions, the cells grow and multiply uncontrollably and start to form a tumor, which causes the malfunctioning of the lungs. 

Moreover, if cancer has developed in the lungs only, it is referred to as primary lung cancer. Sometimes, the cancer is developed in some other parts of the body, and gradually it spreads to the lungs. In this condition, it is known as secondary or metastatic lung cancer.

Let's discuss in detail the types of lung cancer. 

Types of lung cancer

There are two types of lung cancer which are further divided into subtypes. 

1. Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

It is the most common type of lung cancer in individuals and accounts for nearly 85% of the total cases. It is a bigger and wider term as it seems, as it has numerous subtypes. Some of which are;

• Adenocarcinoma - Emerges in the mucus generating cells and occurs in 40% of lung cancer cases. This type of cancer is generally caused to those who are/were smokers.

• Squamous cells (epidermoid) carcinoma - This type of cancer occurs in the broad airways of the lungs.

• Large cell undifferentiated carcinoma - This type of cancer cell can develop in any part of the lungs and are not specific to squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma.

2. Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

This type of cancer cell develops in the middle area of the lungs and tends to spread throughout frantically when compared to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). SCLC occurs in those who smoke heavily and is less frequent in non-smokers.

Stages of lung cancer

Lung cancer staging depends on the T, N, M systems. In which T stands for the size of the tumor, N for the involvement of lymph nodes, and M for the metastasis of tumors from other organs to the lungs.

However, the staging differs for NSCLC and NCLC, which is explained below:

Stages in SCLC:

• Limited stage - In this stage, the tumor is only present in one of either lung and may be present near the lymph nodes.

• Extensive stage - In this stage, the tumor has spread to the other lung and some parts of your chest.

Stages in NSCLC:

There are six stages in the case of NSCLC, which are as follows:

• Occult stage - it is known as hidden cancer. That is, it cannot be detected through biopsy.

• Stage 0 - the tumor is very small.

• Stage 1 - cancer has not reached lymph nodes.

• Stage 2 - cancer cells have reached the lymph nodes.

• Stage 3 - cancer has spread further in the lymph nodes and some parts of the chest.

• Stage 4 - is the last stage in which cancer has spread widely in the body. It may be present in the brain, liver, or even bones.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

The most common symptoms of lung cancer are:

• Breathlessness

• Change in voice, like increase in hoarseness

• Chest pain

• Appetite loss

• Weight loss without any initiative

• A new cough that persists

• Infection in the chest that exists more than three weeks straight

• Fatigue

• Enlargement of fingertips

• Pain in body

• Headaches

• Cough with blood

Causes of Lung Cancer

Since the prominent cause of lung cancer is smoking. However, lung cancer can also occur to those who haven't smoked in their entire life. The possible causes of lung cancer are as follows:

• Tobacco

• Asbestos 

• Exposure to the radioactive gas. 

• Exposure to substances like arsenic, nickel, diesel fumes, soot, and cadmium

• Family history

• Increased age

• Lung infection histories like lung fibrosis or emphysema

• HIV Infection

Possible treatment

Treatment of lung cancer can be conducted in numerous ways. The course and severity of treatment depend upon the severity of cancer. NSCLC patients can be treated with chemotherapy, targeted treatment, radiation, or a combination of the two. However, people affected by SCLC can be treated with the help of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. 

How to choose the right treatment?

Since many alternative options are available for the treatment processes, choosing the appropriate one is a strenuous task. It depends on the severity and physical condition of the individual. Even if two people have the same disease at the same stage, they will still require different treatment due to their physical condition. 

Hence, you need to talk and get advice from your doctors and research all the treatment options they suggest. Research is crucial because it will help you understand what will happen to your body, such as what adverse effects you will experience, what advantages you will receive, and so on.

Best Oncologists in Noida and Delhi NCR

1. Dr. Vinod Raina:

(MBBS, MD - Internal Medicine, DM - Medical Oncology)

He is the director and HOD of Medical Oncology at Fortis Medical.

2. Dr. Manish Singhal 

(MBBS, DM - Medical Oncology, MD - General Medicine)

Head of the medical oncology department at Apollo Hospitals.

3. Dr. Sabyasachi Bal

(MBBS, MS - General Surgery, DNB)

He is the director of Thoracic Surgery at SGR hospital.

Conclusion 

Lung cancer is a serious disease and is one of the most common types of cancer that occurs in individuals. It is prominent to people who smoke. This disease does not have a higher survival rate for five years after the occurrence of the disease. For the best lung cancer doctor in the Delhi NCR region, consult Dr. Manish Singhal and cancer consult India to get the correct course of treatment and prognosis.