Majority of Head And Neck Cancers Are Preventable And Curable

 Head and neck cancers is a broad term used for cancers of mouth (oral cavity), tongue, cheek, thyroid, parotid, tonsil, Larynx (voice box). They are one of the most common malignancy affecting Indian population. Main causative factors of these cancers are tobacco chewing, smoking, alcohol and human papilloma virus (HPV) infection. As these factors are modifiable and avoidable, majority of these cancers are preventable. Lifestyle modifications and abstinence from such addictions can decrease the incidence of these malignancies. It’s the youth who needs to be made ware about the adverse effects of tobacco, smoking and alcohol intake. Tobacco free society can be achieved with aggressive awareness community programs. we need to educate and motivate the teenagers to stay away from tobacco. HPV Vaccination to both boys and girls help in prevention of virus related cancers. 

If detected in early stages, majority of head and neck cancers can be cured completely with the available expertise and technology. 

Screening helps to detect such cancers in early stage. any non-healing ulcer in mouth, hoarseness of voice, difficulty in swallowing, lump or swelling over face or neck may be a sign of malignancy and should be evaluated. 

In early stages such cancers can be cured completely by surgical removal with good cosmetic and functional outcomes. 

Minimal invasive surgical techniques used for such cancers give very good results and early recovery. 

To summarize, majority of head and neck cancers are preventable and curable. So avoid tobacco, alcohol and smoking. In case of any symptoms don’t ignore them, get investigated and cured.