Head and neck cancers: Eliminating risk factors
Experts have explored the factors contributing to the recent rise in head and neck cancers and how individuals can reduce their risk of developing the diseases.
In a news article from The Washington Post, the experts detailed that head and neck cancers are comprised of oral, salivary, pharyngeal, laryngeal, sinus and nasal cancers. They noted that the most common types often include oral and pharyngeal cancers, the incidence of which has risen about 1% each year — resulting in about 60,000 new cases annually.
Oropharyngeal cancers are often linked to exposure to tobacco and heavy alcohol consumption, with a greater risk identified among individuals who use both substances. However, with the use of tobacco and alcohol products reaching their lowest levels in recent years, the experts stressed that many cases of head and neck cancers are now caused by human papillomavirus. Up to 30% of oropharyngeal cancers globally may be attributed to the sexually transmitted viral infection, which tends to be more prevalent among younger individuals who have had more sexual partners and a longer sexual history.
Because oropharyngeal cancers are typically detected once the malignancy is identified by a dentist or clinician, the most effective prevention strategy is HPV vaccination. The two-dose vaccination can begin as early as 9 years up to 26 years. If vaccination is missed during this range, it can be given up to age 45 years. However, the vaccine is less effective after individuals have already been exposed to HPV. Early data has shown that men and women who were vaccinated against HPV had a 56% and 33% lower likelihood of developing head and neck cancers, respectively, and that vaccination also diminished high-risk oral HPV infections.
To further decrease the risk of head and neck cancers, individuals should abstain from or quit using tobacco and alcohol products. Those who are concerned about their risk of oropharyngeal cancers should visit a dentist or clinician for examination or treatment. Recent advances in head and neck cancer therapy have improved the five-year survival rate to about 70%.
Read more: The Washington Post
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