Ways to Prevent Head and Neck Cancer

1
An In-Depth Guide to Head and Neck Cancers

• In developing countries, head and neck cancers
  are the most common cancers. Men are also more
  likely to have them than women. Oral Cancer is
  the most common Head and Neck Squamous Cell
  Cancer among all (HNSCC). As a result of rising
  tobacco usage, India currently accounts for
  roughly 60 of all head and neck cancer patients
  worldwide. By 2030, the number is predicted to
  double. Head and neck cancers start in the
  squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces of
  the head and neck (for example, inside the mouth,
  nose, and throat).
• What Symptoms Do Head and Neck Cancers Manifest?
• Cancer in the mouth can cause
• A sore that is white or red and does not heal.
• Swollen jaw.
• Bleeding or unusual soreness in the mouth.

2

• Cancer of the pharynx (back of the mouth) can
  cause
• Breathing or speech difficulties.
• Chewing and swallowing difficulties.
• A persistent burning sensation in the back of the
  throat.
• Ear pain, ringing, or difficulty in hearing.
• Cancer of the voice box (larynx) can cause
• Swallowing and pain.
• Earache.
• Cancer in the sinuses and nasal cavity can lead
  to
• Persistent sinus congestion.
• Sinus infections that are resistant to antibiotic
  treatment.
• Bleeding from the nose.
• Headaches.
• Pain and swelling.

3

• The strain of HPV to which you were
  exposed influences your risk of developing
  HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. Some strains,
  for example, cause skin warts, mouth warts, and
  genital warts but hardly cause cancer. Other
  strains are more dangerous. These are linked to a
  higher risk of cancer. HPV 16 and, to a lesser
  extent, HPV 18 are the types most frequently
  associated with head and neck cancer.
  Fortunately, most people, including those with
  high-risk HPV, will be able to rid themselves of
  the virus independently. But unfortunately, there
  is no means of knowing who may develop cancer
  after being infected with HPV 16 or 18.
• Gutka and Paan (Betel Quid)
• The usage of gutka and paan (betel quid) in the
  mouth, a common practice in Southeast Asia, has
  been linked to a higher risk of mouth cancer.
• Occupational Exposure
• Specific occupational exposures, such as asbestos
  and synthetic fibers, have been linked to voice
  box cancer, but the evidence for this link is
  still inconclusive. Certain occupations in the
  construction, metal, textile, ceramic, logging,
  and food industries may raise the risk of voice
  box cancer. Wood dust, nickel dust, and
  formaldehyde exposure in the workplace are linked
  to cancers of the paranasal sinuses and nasal
  cavity.
• Exposure to Radiation
• Radiation to the head and neck, whether for
  noncancerous or cancerous disorders, is linked to
  salivary gland cancer.
• Infection With the Epstein-Barr Virus
• Nasopharyngeal carcinoma and cancer of the
  salivary glands are linked to Epstein-Barr virus
  infection.
• Underlying Genetic Diseases

4

• Tobacco use is the leading cause of head and neck
  cancer, followed by excessive alcohol intake.
  Tobacco and alcohol usage jointly account
  for 85 percent of oral, head, and neck
  cancers, and when used simultaneously, they
  can increase one's risk even more. Stop smoking
  or chewing tobacco to lower the risk of head and
  neck cancer for you and those around you.
• Obtain an HPV Vaccine
• The human papillomavirus, or HPV, is the world's
  most common sexually transmitted virus, infecting
  14 million people every year. Although the HPV
  virus is most often associated with the
  development of cervical cancer, research now
  shows that the virus is also linked to an
  increasing number of head and neck cancer
  occurrences. Therefore, you should consider
  getting an HPV vaccine after consulting with your
  physician.
• Limit Your Exposure to the Sun
• Long-term sun exposure has also been associated
  with lip cancer. In men, lip cancer is the most
  common type of oral cancer, especially in those
  working outside in intense sunlight without
  wearing a sunscreen lip balm or a
  wide-brimmed hat. Limit your exposure to
  the sun to avoid the risk of developing
  lip cancer.
• Maintain a Healthy Mouth
• A common but overlooked reason for oral
  cancer is irregular teeth brushing and
  infrequent dental appointments. Simple dental
  care modifications, such as brushing and
  flossing after each meal, can significantly
  reduce your chance of developing oral
  cancer and gum disease, cavities, and
  damaged teeth.
• The Best Head and Neck Cancer Doctor in India
• Dr PK Das is one of the best head and neck
  cancer doctors in India. He has the unique
  experience working in one of India's premier
  medical institutes. He's been treating cancer
  holistically for over two decades. Medical
  oncology and hematology are two of the doctor's
  specializations.
• Dr PK Das oncologist is dedicated to providing
  the best diagnosis, treatment, care, and
  management possible when it comes to cancer.
  Backed by the newest technology and equipment,
  they deliver the most scientifically advanced
  treatment, whether surgery, medicine, palliation,
  or irradiation. Visit their website for
  additional information, or click here to schedule
  an appointment.