Head and Neck Cancer Day: Adapting to These 6 Lifestyle Habits Can Lower Risk of Pain

Here is how simple lifestyle habits can help reduce risk of head and neck cancer.

Head and neck cancer (HNC) encompasses a diverse spectrum of tumours affecting critical anatomical regions 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. Amid this rise, head and neck cancer alone stands out, accounting for approximately 30% of all cancer cases nationwide. Dr. Jatin P. Shah, MD, FACS – MSK Head and Neck Surgeon explains about lifestyle habits that may help reduce the risk.

Lifestyle Adjustments to Lower Risk of Head and Neck Cancer

1. Quit Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, including at least 69 known carcinogens. To lower your 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 the use of chewing tobacco, along with Paan and similar products.Quitting these habits will significantly reduce new cases of mouth cancer.
2. Limit Alcohol Intake: Long-term, heavy alcohol consumption increases the likelihood of mouth and throat cancers. Combining heavy smoking, and consumption of chewing tobacco with alcohol further raises these risks.To reduce your risk of these cancers, consider limiting alcohol intake or abstaining altogether.
3. HPV Protection: Reduce your risk of HPV-related head and neck cancers by practicing safe sex and discussing the HPV vaccine with your healthcare provider. Certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), notably HPV 16 and 18, are strongly associated with oropharyngeal cancers. Taking these preventive measures can significantly lower your risk of contracting HPV and developing related cancers.
4. Eat a Healthy Diet: Base your diet on fruits, vegetables, and plant-based foods such as whole grains and beans. Choose lighter and leaner options, limit refined sugars, and reduce consumption of processed meats, which can increase the risk of certain cancers.

 Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

Head and neck cancer treatment options encompass a diverse range of advanced therapies in a multidisciplinary fashion, designed to effectively combat the disease. Surgery plays a central role in head and neck cancer treatment, with a focus on preserving or restoring essential functions such as speech and swallowing. For select tumours, minimally invasive techniques like laser microsurgery and robotic approaches are employed.

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