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This Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, let's shine a light on this often-overlooked cancer. Did you know it affects millions globally? Join us as we delve into 20 key facts about head and neck cancer, empowering you to understand risk factors, prevention methods, and the importance of early detection. This knowledge can be life-saving.

1. Head and neck cancer refers to cancers that arise in any part of the head, including mouth, tongue, lips, gums, roof of the mouth, throat, voice box as well as those in the nasal cavity, sinuses, salivary glands or thyroid gland.
2. Men are two times more likely to get detected with head and neck cancers than women.
3. Most head and neck cancers are diagnosed in advanced stages due to lack of ignorance of symptoms.
4. Alcohol consumption and use of tobacco are the two most common risk factors involved in the development of head and neck cancers, with cancers forming most often on the parts where the tobacco or alcohol have the most contact – for example, where the cigarette touches the lips or where chewing tobacco is placed inside the mouth.
5. Most head and neck cancers can be prevented by avoidance of smoking and overconsumption of alcohol, eating a well-balanced diet, maintaining good oral hygiene and practising protected sex.
6. A red or white patch in the mouth or a long-lasting sore throat can be the first signs of cancer and need to be diagnosed immediately.
7. People who are exposed to high amounts of dust, glue, formaldehyde, mustard gas and certain heavy metals are at risk of developing head and neck cancers.
8. Swallowing difficulties, change in voice, and persistent earaches are some of the conditions that need to be considered for a cancer assessment or diagnosis.
9. A neck mass that does not go away needs to be assessed using a needle biopsy or a CT scan to rule out the possibility of a cancerous growth.
10. A sinus cancer needs to be considered in a person who has frequent bleeding from the nose, numbness in the cheek, swelling or pain in the facial area.
11. Bringing up blood over a few days in the saliva or phlegm could also be a sign of cancer.
12. Exposure to a virus called HPV or human papilloma virus has also been implicated as one of the reasons for the development of head and neck cancer.
13. Treatment for these cancers will usually depend on many factors like the stage of the cancer, type and location of the growth and the overall health and age of the patient.
14. Surgery, followed by radiation therapy is the most common treatment procedure followed for head and neck cancers. Chemotherapy also forms an important treatment modality in head and neck cancers. It is given to treat stage 4 cancers upfront. It is also used as an induction therapy in stage 3 head and neck cancers to reduce the size of tumour so that it can be efficiently operated. Many a times, chemotherapy in stage 3 cancers results in complete disappearance of tumour.
15. Most often a multi-disciplinary team is involved in the treatment of head and neck cancers, which includes a medical oncologist, radiation oncologist, oncosurgeon, reconstructive or plastic surgeon, pathologist, speech expert, etc.
16. Surgery involves the removal of the cancer tissues and the surrounding tissues as well. In some cases, lymph nodes have to be removed.
17. Reconstructive or plastic surgery may be required if the cancer is spread and excessive tissue removal is needed. Reconstructive surgery is designed to give the patient the best possible outcomes concerning function and look.
18. Radiation therapy is a commonly used for treatment of head and neck cancers.
19. In some patients, chemotherapy is also recommended, in combination with radiation or as a primary treatment after surgery.
20. Immunotherapy is a new, more effective mode of treatment that enables the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.

The 20 facts explored in this article paint a clear picture: head and neck cancer is a serious yet treatable condition. By being aware of the risk factors, early detection methods, and treatment options, you can take control of your health and advocate for those around you. Remember, early detection is crucial. If you experience any persistent symptoms, don't hesitate to consult an oncologist immediately.

Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month is a call to action. Let's continue the conversation, share these facts with loved ones, and encourage regular check-ups. Together, we can make a significant difference in the fight against this cancer. Remember, knowledge is power. Let's use it to empower ourselves and build a healthier future.

Dr. Pritam Baban Kalaskar
MD DM
Consultant Cancer Physician

M | O | C Cancer Care & Research Centre, Thane