April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month

Apr 3

April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to shedding light on one of the lesser-known but impactful cancer types. While head and neck cancers make up about 4% of all cancers in the U.S., awareness about them remains relatively low. That’s why healthcare professionals like Dr. Chen Lin, a head and neck surgeon, are emphasizing the importance of education and early detection through free screenings during April.

What Are Head and Neck Cancers?

Head and neck cancers refer to a broad group of diseases that affect areas above the shoulders, excluding the brain and spine. These include cancers of the:

Mouth
Throat
Voice box (larynx)
Nose and sinuses
Salivary glands
Thyroid
Skin of the head and neck

Recognizing the Symptoms

Early signs can be subtle and are often mistaken for benign issues. However, being alert to the following symptoms can be lifesaving:

Persistent mouth sores or lumps
Pain in the mouth or throat
A lump in the neck
Difficulty swallowing
Unexplained weight loss
Voice changes or hoarseness
Breathing difficulty (in advanced cases)

These symptoms typically develop over weeks or months, making regular self-checks and medical exams crucial.

Who Is at Risk?

The primary risk factors include:

Tobacco use
Heavy alcohol consumption
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection – increasingly linked to throat cancers, particularly in the tonsils and base of the tongue

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis typically begins with a thorough head and neck exam, followed by a biopsy of any suspicious area. Advanced imaging or specialized scopes may be used to visualize deeper areas such as the larynx.

Treatment options often involve a multidisciplinary team, and may include:

Surgery
Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy (for advanced or recurrent cases)

Care focuses not only on treating the cancer but also on preserving quality of life, addressing functional concerns like speaking, swallowing, and appearance.

The Importance of Early Screening

Free screenings during April provide a valuable opportunity for early detection. As Dr. Lin notes, these screenings take less than a minute and involve a simple visual exam of the mouth and throat. For many, this quick step could lead to early diagnosis—and better outcomes.

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This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.

This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.

Rich Foreman