Head and neck cancers are a group of diseases located in the mucous membranes of the mouth, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity and sinuses, ear and salivary glands, among others.
The risk of cancer is higher among men over 45 years of age. They get sick as much as five times more often than women.
European Head and Neck Cancer Prevention Week is underway.
Head and neck cancers - find out the risk factors
The most important risk factors for head and neck cancer include smoking, alcohol abuse and human papilloma virus infection.
- Approximately 90 per cent of head and neck cancer patients report a history of smoking tobacco, pipes or cigars. Compared with non-smokers, the risk of cancer of the middle pharynx and larynx increases tenfold," says Anna Mydlak, MD, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at the Maria Skłodowska Curie National Institute of Oncology (NIO-PIB) in Warsaw.
- Simultaneous smoking and alcohol consumption is particularly dangerous. Alcohol and cigarettes contribute to 75 per cent of head and neck malignancies, the expert adds.
What symptoms should prompt us to visit the doctor? What increases the risk of head and neck cancer? Are there any preventive tests? We invite you to read educational materials prepared by the National Health Fund, as well as an interview with experts from the Maria Skłodowska Curie National Institute of Oncology (NIO-PIB) in Warsaw:
- Anna Mydlak, MD, maxillo-facial surgeon
- Dr Anna Gorzelnik, MD, otorhinolaryngologist.