Minimizing Your Risk for Oral, Head, & Neck Cancers

Minimizing Your Risk for Oral, Head, & Neck Cancers

April is National Oral, Head, and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, a time to reflect on what can be done to minimize your risks of developing one of these deadly cancers. In the United States alone, there will be about 65,000 new cancer diagnoses and 14,600 oral, head, and neck cancer-related deaths reported this year. Tonsil and tongue cancers seem to be on the rise in Europe and North America, specifically in younger nonsmokers, due largely to HPV infections. Below, Pegalis Law Group, LLC takes a closer look at these types of cancer and what can be done to minimize their risks to save lives.

What Are Early Signs & Symptoms of Oral, Head, & Neck Cancers?

Oral, head, and neck cancers comprise nearly four percent of all cancers in the United States. Many begin inside the mouth, throat, sinus and nasal cavities, and salivary glands. Cancers of the mouth, throat, or larynx (voice box) are the most common, with more men than women diagnosed. While most diagnosed people are over 50, these cancers affect people of all ages. That’s why it’s essential to recognize the early signs and symptoms and seek immediate treatment. Symptoms of oral, head, and neck cancers may vary by cancer type, location, severity, and the individual but may include:

• Oral lump, sore, or swelling that doesn’t heal
• Persistent sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or breathing
• Voice hoarseness or changes
• Red or white patches in the mouth
• Persistent nasal congestion or obstruction
• Frequent nose bleeds
• Unusual nasal discharge
• Blood in saliva or phlegm
• Foul mouth odor not caused by poor hygiene
• Jaw pain or swelling
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Loosening of teeth or ill-fitting dentures
• Lump or mass in the back of the head or neck
• Chronic ear pain or infection
• Double vision
• Numbness or weakness in the head or neck area

Who’s Most At-Risk for These Types of Cancer?

Alcohol and tobacco are often linked to oral, head, and neck cancers. However, they’re not the only risk factors. Factors that can increase your risk for developing oral, head, or neck cancer include:

• Alcohol and tobacco use
• Cancer-causing types of the human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Poor oral hygiene leading to missing teeth
• Exposure to radiation or UV light (including artificial UV rays in tanning beds)
• Eating too many preserved or salted foods
• Exposure to asbestos, wood dust, synthetic fibers, or chemicals
• Epstein-Barr virus infection
• Asian or Chinese ancestry
• Certain underlying genetic disorders

What Can Be Done to Minimize Your Oral Cancer Risks?

For starters, don’t smoke. Don’t even use smokeless tobacco products. If you’re already a smoker, try quitting. Whether you prefer beer, wine, or liquor, limit your alcohol consumption. Use condoms and dental dams during oral sex to help prevent the spread of HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Talk to your doctor about the HPV vaccine. However, be aware the vaccine isn’t advisable for most adults over 26 who were likely already exposed to HPV. When outdoors, wear a lip balm that contains sunscreen to protect your lips and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your scalp, face, and neck from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Finally, visit your dentist regularly for checkups and oral cancer screenings.

Celebrating 50 Years of Creating More Proactive Patients

As a New York-based personal injury and medical malpractice law firm, Pegalis Law Group, LLC focuses on creating proactive patients. Please visit our website and follow us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to receive more insights to keep you and your loved ones happy and healthy this year.