Here's how simple lifestyle habits can help reduce your risk of head and neck cancer.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) includes a diverse spectrum of tumors affecting critical anatomical areas including the lips, mouth (oral cavity), throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), sinuses, nasal cavity, and thyroid and salivary glands. These cancers vary widely in their presentation and severity, posing significant challenges to both diagnosis and treatment. During this increase, head and neck cancer alone accounts for approximately 30% of all cancer cases nationwide. Dr. Jatin P. Shah, MD, FACS – MSK head and neck surgeon, explains lifestyle habits that can help reduce the risk.

Lifestyle adjustments to reduce the risk of head and neck cancer

1. Quitting Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, including at least 69 known carcinogens. To reduce the risk of head and neck cancer, quit using all forms of tobacco such as cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff, dip and chewing tobacco. The most common practice in India is chewing betel and similar tobacco. products. Quitting these habits will significantly reduce new cases of oral cancer.
2. Limit alcohol intake: Long-term, heavy drinking increases the risk of mouth and throat cancer. Heavy smoking, and consumption of chewing tobacco with alcohol further increases these risks. To reduce the risk of this cancer, consider limiting alcohol consumption or abstaining altogether.
3. HPV Protection: Reduce your risk of HPV-related head and neck cancer by practicing safe sex and discussing the HPV vaccine with your healthcare provider. Certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly HPV 16 and 18, are strongly associated with oropharyngeal cancer. Taking these preventive measures can significantly reduce your risk of getting HPV and related cancers.
4. Eat a healthy diet: Base your diet on fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods like whole grains and beans. Choose light and lean options, limit refined sugar and reduce consumption of processed meats, which can increase the risk of certain cancers.

Head and neck cancer treatment

Treatment options for head and neck cancer include a variety of advanced therapies in a multidisciplinary approach designed to effectively combat the disease. Surgery plays a central role in the treatment of head and neck cancer, focusing on preserving or restoring essential functions such as speaking and swallowing. For selected tumors, minimally invasive techniques such as laser microsurgery and robotic approaches are used.

Reducing the risk of head and neck cancer involves understanding and reducing key risk factors through lifestyle adjustments and proactive health measures. Ongoing advances in treatment underline a comprehensive approach to managing and improving outcomes for those affected by head and neck cancer, highlighting the importance of early detection, prevention and individualized care strategies.