Common causes of head and neck cancer

Did you know even viruses can cause head and neck cancer?

India is known as the Mouth Cancer Capital of the world as around 57% cases of global head and neck cancers are seen in India. With more than 2,00,000 cases of head and neck cancers reported in India, tongue and mouth cancers contribute to more than 1/3rd of the cases every year. And the cause of this is attributed to the excessive use of chewable tobacco. Did you know alcohol and tobacco abuse are the key risk factors for head and neck cancers? Dr Prashant Pawar, Head & Neck Onco-Surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Mulund sheds light on the common causes of head and neck cancers you must be aware of!

Tobacco: It is one of the most common causes of head and neck cancer. Time and again, it is been emphasised that excessive use of tobacco including smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes and chewing tobacco can lead to head and neck cancer. Not just this, even the use of smokeless tobacco is associated with head and neck cancer, especially oral cancer. So stay away from paan, paan masala, gutkha, bidis, cigarettes and other forms of tobacco to lower your risk of head and neck cancer. Here are tips from an ex-smoker to stick to your no-smoking resolution.

Alcohol: It goes without saying that alcohol is injurious to health and is one of the common causes of cancer. This is because, when you drink alcohol, the body converts alcohol into acetaldehyde, a toxic chemical which is a potent carcinogenic. No particular limit is considered safe when it comes to drinking alcohol and cancer. However, staying away from it is the key, as regular alcohol consumption can up the risk of seven different types of cancer.

Prolonged sun exposure: Did you know that continuous exposure to the sun without any protection can lead to cancer? Prolonged day-star exposure without the proper use of sunscreen can be a cause of lip cancer or skin cancer of the face and neck. Hence, it is wise to proper precautions from the harmful effects of the sun rays. You can use lip balms with significant sun protection factor and use a broad spectrum sunscreen before going out into the sun and reapplying as and when needed to stay protected. Also, read about 6 reasons you should never step out without applying sunscreen.

Environmental/occupational inhalants: Exposure to wood dust, paint fumes, certain chemicals and asbestos can cause cancer amongst people in related occupations. The risk is even more if you suffer from any lung disease or respiratory ailments like asthma as it can further worsen the condition.

Viruses: Not many people are aware of the fact that exposure to viruses can also cause head and neck cancer. Viruses like Ebstein Barr Virus (EBV) and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) are known to cause head & neck cancer. You can lower the risk by following few precautions.

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