Risk Factors and Prevention of Head and Neck Cancer
Risk Factors of Head and Neck Cancer
A risk factor is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing cancer. Although risk factors often influence the development of cancer, most do not directly cause cancer. Some people with several risk factors never develop the disease, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.Two risk factors greatly increase the risk of head and neck cancer:
• Frequent and heavy consumption of alcohol
Alcohol use raises the risk of developing cancer in the mouth, pharynx, larynx (voice box), and esophagus. Using alcohol and tobacco together increases this risk.
• Tobacco use
Smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes; chewing tobacco; and using snuff are the single largest risk factors for head and neck cancer. Eighty-five percent (85%) of head and neck cancer is linked to tobacco use. Secondhand smoke may also increase a person’s risk of head and neck cancer. Recent research suggests that people who have used marijuana may be at higher risk for head and neck cancer.
Other factors that can raise a person’s risk of developing head and neck cancer include:
• Age
People over 40 are at higher risk for head and neck cancer.
• Environmental/occupational inhalants
Exposure to asbestos, wood dust, paint fumes, and certain chemicals may increase a person’s risk of head and neck cancer.
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
Exposure to EBV, which is more commonly known as the virus that causes mononucleosis or "mono," plays a role in the development of nasopharyngeal cancer.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD)
Reflux of stomach acid into the upper airway and throat has been suggested as a factor associated with the development of head and neck cancer.
• Gender
Men are two to three times more likely than women to develop head and neck cancer. However, the rate of head and neck cancer in women has been rising for several decades.
Risk Factors and Prevention of Head and Neck Cancer
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Research indicates that infection with this virus is a risk factor for head and neck cancer. HPV is most commonly passed from person to person during sexual activity. There are different types, or strains, of HPV, and some strains are more strongly associated with certain types of cancer. HPV vaccines protect against certain strains of the virus.
• Poor nutrition
A diet low in A and B vitamins can raise a person’s risk of head and neck cancer.
• Poor oral/dental hygiene
Poor care of the mouth and teeth has been suggested as a factor that may increase the risk of head and neck cancer.
• Prolonged sun exposure
This is especially linked to cancer in the lip area (as well as skin cancer of the head and neck and other chronically sun-exposed areas, such as the hands).
• Race
Black people are more likely than white people to develop certain types of cancer of the head and neck.
• Weakened immune system
A weakened immune system can raise a person’s risk of head and neck cancer.
Prevention of Head and Neck Cancer
Making certain lifestyle changes can significantly lower a person's risk of developing a head and neck cancer. Quitting smoking can substantially reduce the risk, even for those who smoked for many years. People who already have a head and neck cancer and quit using tobacco can reduce the risk of developing a second tumor by as much as 60 percent. People who are exposed to toxic fumes and dust in the work place or in other environments can reduce the risk of head and neck cancer by wearing protective face masks. Companies can also install air-filtering systems to minimize employees' exposure to harmful fumes and dust.Stopping the use of all tobacco products is the most important thing a person can do, even for people who have been smoking for many years. Other steps that can reduce the risk of head and neck cancer include:
- Avoiding alcohol
- Avoiding marijuana. (Discuss marijuana as a risk factor with your doctor.)
- Maintaining proper care of dentures. Poorly fitting dentures can trap tobacco and alcohol’s cancer-causing substances. Denture wearers should have their dentures evaluated by a dentist at least every five years to ensure a good fit. Dentures should be removed every night and cleaned and rinsed thoroughly every day.
- Reducing your risk of HPV infection by limiting the number of sexual partners. (Having many partners increases the risk of HPV infection.) Using a condom cannot fully protect you from HPV during sex.
- Using sunscreen regularly, including lip balm with an adequate sun protection factor (SPF)