Head and neck cancers are a substantial health concern, especially in men, where they represent the third most common cancer type. Hence, the role that lifestyle choices play in their formation calls for awareness and preventive measures.
Major risk factors for the development of head and neck cancers include the use of certain lifestyle factors. In fact, tobacco use is a major factor for the development of head and neck cancers, both in smoking and smokeless forms. More specifically, smokeless tobacco products are very common in India, extremely addictive, and known to increase the risk for cancer. Excessive consumption of alcohol also increases this risk, particularly in users of tobacco products.
Other risk factors for oral cancers are those related to chronic irritation from sharp teeth or poorly fitting dentures. Infection with human papillomavirus is also an increasingly recognized risk factor for cancers of the throat and mouth. These are conditions that vary regionally, and together with lifestyle and environmental differences, they provide a rational explanation for variations in the cancer burden observed across different areas.
Prevention and Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is central to better prognosis in head and neck cancer. A patient should report to a physician without delay if the following symptoms persist: indolent mouth ulcers, dysphagia, voice changes, or unexplained neck lumps. This includes timely consultation with a doctor for any of the following persistent symptoms: indolent mouth ulcers, dysphagia, voice change, or unexplained neck lumps. Regular follow-up allows for early stage diagnosis, at which point the possibility of cure is maximized and the side effects of treatment are minimized.
Public awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption should be created. Tobacco cessation, moderation of alcohol consumption, and promotion of HPV vaccination may reduce the incidence of these cancers to some extent. Adopting a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables has a protective role, too.
Head and neck cancers are one of the most significant health problems caused by lifestyle. Offering help to those with risky habits of tobacco consumption and excessive use of alcohol, and undertaking early diagnosis, shall decrease the prevalence of these cancers to a considerable extent. Thus, public awareness and preventive measures become vital for combating this growing health problem.
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