27th July was declared to be celebrated as World Head & Neck Cancer Day worldwide at the 5th World Congress of the International Federation of Head Neck Oncology Society (IFHNOS) in 2014. Since then nations around the world have observed this day to create awareness and curb the incidence of HNCs. Today, India single-handedly accounts for more than 50% of the burden of head and neck cancers(HNCs) worldwide. Unfortunately, experts predict that these numbers are expected to double by 2030! While most of it is attributed to the widespread tobacco use in the country; certain other preventable factors also play a contributory role to these cancers. HNCs include tumours of the oral cavity(lips, tongue, buccal mucosa, gums), nose and paranasal sinuses and neck. Ironically, 90% of HNCs are preventable!!! This means that preventing HNCs is much easier than most other cancers! Let's find out how

  1. Tobacco: India continues to have a very high rate of tobacco usage both in the forms of smoking cigarettes as well as chewable gutka, khaini,etc. Tobacco has a direct link to causation of oral as well as upper aero-digestive tract cancers.  An active participation to discourage and ban all forms of tobacco by the people as well as Governments remain the only way to stop this deadly addiction.
  2. Betel/Areca Nut/Betel leaf/Paan Chewing: Offering a Paan and Supari is so rooted in our culture that it's difficult to incriminate that tradition. Nonetheless, continued consumption of Paan or supari have been identified as known carcinogens. They also cause pre-cancerous entities such as submucosal fibrosis which can affect mouth opening and cause stiffness in your mouth and palate. So if unavoidable, let the paan & supari be an occasional treat and not a daily addiction.
  3. Improper dentures and poor oro-dental hygiene: Do you have a sharp tooth causing regular tongue or cheek bites? Do you have stained teeth and long standing cavities? Visit a dentist soon and sort out that sharp tooth or poor dental hygiene as they act and constant irritants to the oral mucosa. Long standing irritants can cause ulcerations in your mouth which can in turn become malignant if left untreated.
  4. Deficiency of Vitamin A & B-complex: Studies now show that significantly low levels of Vitamin A and B2,6 &12 are associated with head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma. So more reasons to increase your intake of green leafy vegetables, broccolis, carrots, spinach and red-yellow peppers. Also remember to take low-fat dairy, curd, yoghurt and eggs to avoid B12 deficiency. In case you are vegan opt for fortified cereals or tofu. 
  5. HPV infection: There has been an rising trend in "Human Papilloma Virus" (HPV-16) infection- related Head & Neck Cancers in the last few decades, especially in the younger population. Adolescent HPV Vaccination is now being considered as a potential need of the hour to preventing oro-pharyngeal cancers.  

Lastly and definitely not the least is adequate hydration. Yes! Drinking sufficient and frequents sips of water daily does keep your oro-pharyngeal mucosa healthy and disease-free. So, this World Head & Neck Cancer Day let's pledge to reverse and bring a decline in the statistics of Head & Neck Cancers!