April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. Head and neck cancers are diseases that can affect the mouth, throat, sinuses, and salivary glands, and account for nearly 4% of all cancers in the United States. With The Oncology Institute, learn about key risk factors, recognize early warning signs, and access high-quality community care.
Primary Head and Neck Cancer Risk Factors
Some of the most common risk factors include:
Tobacco and alcohol use: Consuming tobacco and using alcohol are often the most common causes of head and neck cancers. Avoiding tobacco products, like cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and smokeless tobacco, and limiting alcohol consumption are the most significant ways to lower your risk.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: HPV is the cause of 60%-70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the U.S. Getting the HPV vaccine early in life can prevent new cases of HPV.
Age and gender: Men are more likely than women to develop head and neck cancers, primarily due to their greater use of tobacco and alcohol. This risk generally increases with age.
Exposure to occupational inhalants: Occupational inhalants, such as wood chips, asbestos, and chemical fumes, can significantly increase the risk of larynx, nasal cavity, and pharynx cancers. If you work in the construction, wood processing, and manufacturing industries, take proper safety precautions to lower your risk.
Proactive Keys to Prevention
Several actionable solutions exist for individuals to prevent head and neck cancer through lifestyle changes. The HPV vaccine is a highly effective preventive measure available to eligible individuals. Additionally, routine dental visits are an important preventive step, as dentists are often the first to notice early indicators of the disease. In general, maintaining a healthy lifestyle — including a nutritious diet and avoiding prolonged, unprotected sun exposure, especially on the lips — can significantly decrease your risk.
Identifying Head and Neck Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms are internal feelings or changes you experience, such as persistent pain when swallowing or a chronic sore throat. A doctor will examine you for observable signs, like a visible lump or a sore that doesn’t heal.
Some common symptoms to be aware of include:
Difficulty speaking
Voice changes
Numbness in the mouth
Feeling that something is caught in the throat
Finding High-Quality Care and Ways to Get Treated
The Oncology Institute is a premier destination for compassionate, cutting-edge head and neck cancer treatment. We understand that experiencing cancer is a highly personal journey, and it requires a dedicated support system. Our personalized, high-quality oncology care offers advanced treatment options, such as:
Precision targeted therapy: Targeted therapies and immunotherapies identify and attack specific molecules, proteins, or genetic mutations in cancer cells, sparing healthy cells.
Radiation therapy: This cancer treatment uses high-energy radiation like X-rays, gamma rays, and charged particles to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.
At The Oncology Institute, we are committed to changing oncology for the better through innovation and patient-centered care. Take the next step toward a personalized treatment plan this Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, and request an appointment today.
