Throat cancer can develop in different parts of the throat and surrounding areas, and several lifestyle and health factors can increase a person’s risk. While having a risk factor does not mean someone will definitely develop cancer, understanding potentially harmful habits can help people make healthier choices and seek medical attention when unusual symptoms persist.
Some of the most important preventable risk factors are linked to tobacco use, alcohol consumption and exposure to certain infections such as human papillomavirus, commonly known as HPV.
1. Smoking and Other Forms of Tobacco Use..READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Smoking cigarettes, cigars or pipes can significantly increase the risk of cancers affecting the mouth, throat and voice box. Smokeless tobacco, including chewing tobacco and snuff, can also increase the risk of cancers in the head and neck region.
The longer and more frequently a person uses tobacco, the greater the associated cancer risk. Research reviewed by the National Cancer Institute indicates that current smokers can have substantially higher risks of cancers involving the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx and larynx compared with people who have never smoked.
Quitting smoking is therefore one of the most important steps a smoker can take to reduce their risk. Evidence indicates that the risk of several tobacco related head and neck cancers decreases significantly after smoking cessation.
2. Regular or Heavy Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol is another established risk factor for several cancers affecting the mouth and throat. The risk generally increases as alcohol consumption increases.
Health authorities also warn that combining alcohol with tobacco can be particularly harmful. People who use both substances have a higher risk of developing certain head and neck cancers than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone.
Reducing alcohol consumption or avoiding it altogether can therefore be an important part of lowering preventable cancer risks.
3. Ignoring HPV Prevention and Sexual Health
Certain types of human papillomavirus, particularly HPV 16, are associated with oropharyngeal cancer, which can affect areas including the tonsils and the back of the tongue and throat.
HPV is commonly transmitted through sexual contact, and persistent infection with certain high risk HPV types can cause cellular changes that may eventually develop into cancer.
HPV vaccination can help prevent infections with HPV types responsible for many HPV related cancers. People should speak with a qualified healthcare professional about whether HPV vaccination is appropriate for them based on their age and circumstances.
How Can You Lower Your Risk?
Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent every case of throat cancer, several measures can reduce exposure to established risk factors.
• Avoid smoking and other tobacco products.
• If you smoke, seek professional support to help you quit.
• Avoid combining tobacco with alcohol.
• Reduce alcohol consumption or avoid alcohol altogether.
• Discuss HPV vaccination with a healthcare professional when appropriate.
• Maintain a balanced diet containing a variety of fruits and vegetables.
• Follow recommended health and dental checkups and discuss persistent changes in your mouth or throat with a healthcare professional.
Pay Attention to Persistent Symptoms
A sore throat does not automatically mean cancer. Most sore throats are caused by common infections or other noncancerous conditions. However, persistent or unusual symptoms should not simply be ignored.
Possible warning signs can include a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, a lump in the neck, unexplained changes in the voice or other lasting changes involving the mouth and throat. These symptoms can have many causes, so proper medical evaluation is necessary rather than attempting to diagnose the condition yourself.
The most important message is that developing a risk factor does not mean a person will develop throat cancer. However, reducing tobacco and alcohol exposure, taking appropriate steps against HPV and seeking medical attention for persistent symptoms can contribute to better long term health.
