Risk Factors and Prevention
This year, an estimated 66,920 people will develop head and neck cancer. While younger people can develop the disease, most people are over age 50 when they are diagnosed. Sadly, an estimated 15,400 deaths will occur from head and neck cancer will occur this year in the United States.
Head and neck cancer is preventable. The main risk factors for head and neck cancer include:
- Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless)
- Heavy alcohol use
- Potential exposure to HPV
- Male gender
- Patients age 55 and older
It is important to not use tobacco products (smoking or smokeless) and abstain from alcohol to help prevent head and neck cancer. Over a lifetime, 75-80% of adults will likely be exposed to the human papilloma virus (HPV) and it is important to know this exposure to HPV can also put a person at risk for developing head and neck cancer. There is now a vaccine available for HPV, which is recommended for youth and young adults ages 9-26. This vaccine could prevent further HPV-related head and neck cancers for future generations so it is important to talk your child’s doctor about this immunization.
Quit Smoking Resources
For help with quitting smoking, call 800-QUIT-NOW or visit https://quitnowindiana.com.
Common Head and Neck Cancers
Common cancers of the head and neck include:
- Oral cavity cancer - starts in the mouth
- Oropharyngeal cancer – starts in back of the mouth or the throat
- Nasal cavity cancer – starts in the opening behind the nose, a space that runs along the top of the roof of the mouth and then turns downward to join the back of the mouth and the throat
- Paranasal sinus cancer – starts in the openings around or near the nose called sinuses
- Nasopharyngeal cancer – starts in the upper part of the throat behind the nose
- Laryngeal cancer – starts in the voice box
- Hypopharyngeal cancer – starts in the lower part of the throat beside and behind the voice box
Diagnosis and Treatment
Using a multidisciplinary team-based approach, patients with head and neck cancer can receive integrated services including surgical oncology, radiation oncology, medical oncology, nursing, speech and language pathology, dietary, and social work for comprehensive evaluation and treatment of their cancer. Patients and their families can expect to receive a patient-centered comprehensive evaluation by all appropriate members of the treatment team.
Once diagnosis is determined, treatment plans for head and neck cancer may include a combination of surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy or immunotherapy depending on the type of cancer, tumor size and stage, tumor location, and the patient’s overall health. Your multidisciplinary team will work with you and your family to ensure you are receiving the best treatment plan possible.