Prevention

Early Detection

The earlier cancer is detected the better are the chances of cure and complete recovery. It is important to realize that many cancers today are curable.

Monthly self examination by each and every one of us will go a long way in detecting cancer at the early stage. One can stand in front of large mirror and look for the following

• Mouth : Change in colour of gums, lips and cheeks, White, Brown or red patches, ulcer, sore or scab, thickening in any part of the oral cavity.
• Neck : Look for any lump, swelling or any other abnormality.

If you find anything abnormal, record it on a notebook and report it to your doctor. In case everything is normal, RELAX!

Annual health Check Up

For Head and Neck Cancer Dental and ENT Check up is must for both the sexes. In case of suspicion, one should go for Endoscopy, biopsy, X-Ray, CT – Scan, MRI, PET CT

This is most important for all of us because it is through these annual check ups that we can find out about the status of our health.

How to Prevent Head and Neck Cancer?

• Avoid active and passive smoking.
• Avoid Tobacco and Tobacco Products like Gutkha, Paan, Khaini, Surti, Beedi, Cigarette
• Avoid Alcohol
• Maintain Good oral and dental hygiene

All smokers and tobacco chewers need several counselling sessions to leave the habit and ensure they do not start taking tobacco, after quitting it.

Causes / Risk factors

Smoking tobacco causes most laryngeal cancers. Heavy smokers who have smoked tobacco for a long time are most at risk for laryngeal cancer.

Also, people who are heavy drinkers are more likely to develop laryngeal cancer than people who don’t drink alcohol. The risk increases with the amount of alcohol that a person drinks. The risk of laryngeal cancer increases even more for people who are heavy drinkers and heavy smokers. However, not everyone who drinks or smokes heavily will develop the disease.