• 4/3/2005
  • Charlotte, NC
  • Alison Morris
  • The Charlotte Observer

April 11-17 is International Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week.

Head and neck cancer is a general term applied to several types of cancer in a variety of locations in the head and neck, including the throat, mouth, voice box and tongue. About 4 percent of new cancers diagnosed are head and neck cancers, said Dr. Frank Mauldin of Graystone Ear Nose & Throat Associates in Hickory.

According to recent statistics, more than 55,000 Americans will be diagnosed with head and neck cancer this year, and more than 12,000 will die of the disease. Sadly, most cases could be prevented. In a survey of more than 40,000 Americans, 75 percent of those polled did not know or incorrectly identified the signs of oral cancer.

As many as 90 percent of head and neck cancers arise after prolonged exposure to tobacco and alcohol. Use of tobacco (cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco or snuff) and alcohol are linked with cancers of the mouth, throat, voice box and tongue. In adults who neither smoke nor drink, cancer of the mouth and throat are nearly nonexistent. Cancer of the head and neck is curable if caught early. While prevention is the primary goal of increasing the awareness of head and neck cancer, early detection is even more important. People at high risk for developing head and neck cancer should know and recognize the warning signs of these cancers: A lump in the neck; hoarseness or change of voice; a growth or sore in the mouth; bringing up or spitting out blood; swallowing problems; changes in the skin; and persistent earache.

Practice healthy habits that will make these diseases unlikely to occur and see your doctor early with any signs or symptoms.