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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