Head and neck cancer prevention: from primary prevention to impact of clinicians on reducing burden

Abstract

Survival from head and neck cancers (HNCs) of the lip, oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx has increased by 10% over the past few decades. Little over half of patients who develop HNCs will survive beyond 5 years. Survival is lower for individuals in many countries where traditional risk factors such as tobacco smoking, alcohol drinking, and betel quid chewing are highly prevalent but tertiary health care center access is limited or unavailable. Early diagnosis of HNC is the most important prognostic factor for each tumor site. Molecular-based research on HNC tumors holds promise for early stage detection, screening, vaccination, disease follow-up, and progression. Future investments for HNC control must consider both effectiveness and sustainability for both high-and low-resource countries alike, with priority toward risk factor prevention and earlier diagnosis.

Tobacco smoking, chewing habits, alcohol drinking and the risk of head and neck cancer in Nepal

“…Previous studies have consistently reported that the risk of HNC increases with the duration and intensity of tobacco smoking, smokeless tobacco (chewing tobacco and snuff) and alcohol drinking . Moreover, cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking presented a greater than multiplicative interaction on HNC risk.…”

Association between pioglitazone use and head and neck cancer: Population‐based case‐control study

“…There is no proxy diagnosis to capture chewed tobacco a major risk factor for oral cancers. Alcohol use is the second major risk factor for HSC . Our adjustment for alcohol abuse disorder remains a poor proxy as the vast majority of alcohol users are not diagnosed as abuse disorder patients.…”

Exhaled breath analysis in the diagnosis of head and neck cancer

“…The aim of these approaches is to identify cancer biomarkers or signatures that would allow early detection of cancer before any clinical symptoms or signs develop. Such early diagnosis could lead to identification, treatment planning, and intervention of the disease at an early stage and that, indeed, could improve clinical outcome . However, routine diagnosis of many cancers (including those of head and neck) is still based on evaluation of changes in macroscopic appearance, radiological features, and histopathological characteristics.…”