“Oral, head and neck cancer” typically refers to squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, throat, and voice box. However, “head and neck cancer” also refers to other types of cancer that arises in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, thyroid glands, salivary glands, throat, or voice box. People who use both tobacco and alcohol are at greater risk than people who use only one or the other.

8 Facts about Oral, Head and Neck Cancer

1. Men are affected about twice as often as women with oral, head and neck cancer.
2. Cigarette smoking increases your risk of head and neck cancer by 15 times compared to a non-smoker.
3. Tobacco and alcohol use are the leading causes of mouth and voice box cancers.
4. Oral, head and neck cancer tends to form in the areas where tobacco and/or alcohol use has the most contact.
5. Chewing tobacco causes mouth cancer
6. Hoarseness or a change in the voice can be the first sign of cancer of the voice box
7. A red or white patch in the mouth or a sore throat can be the first signs of cancers of the mouth and throat
8. About half of throat cancers occur in the larynx (Voice box).

Head and neck cancers are curable if caught early. Fortunately, most of them produce early symptoms. You should know the potential warning signs so you can alert your physician as soon as possible. Successful treatment of head and neck cancer depends on early detection. Knowing and recognizing its signs can save your life.

Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer

1. Swallowing problems
2. Changes in the skin
3. Persistent earache
4. A lump in the neck
5. A growth in the mouth
6. Change in the voice
7. Bringing up blood

1. Tobacco use (e.g., cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, or snuff)
2. Excessive alcohol abuse
3. Exposure to HPV(Human papillomavirus).

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