The face of head and neck cancer is changing dramatically. Find out if you’re at risk.
Approximately 70,000 new head and neck cancer cases will be detected in the United States this year, according to the National Cancer Institute. These cancers account for roughly 4% of all cancers in the country today, and are more than twice as common among men as they are among women.
While historically, a leading risk factor for head and neck cancers was heavy tobacco and alcohol use, the incidence of those types of cancers has been steadily declining over the past few decades. What continues to rise are cases of head and neck cancers related to positive exposure to the human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly among younger people.
Other risk factors include:
- a history of excess sun exposure, sun burning, sun poisoning
- history of mononucleosis/Mono
- poor dental or oral care
- exposure to noxious fumes (i.e. asbestos, wood, paint fumes)
- use of marijuana
- poor nutrition
- reflux disease
- weakened immune system
Thankfully, advanced treatment options have led to increasing survival rates. What also contributes to positive outcomes? Early detection.
The Hospital offers a free head and neck cancer screening once a year. The next Head and Neck Cancer Screening event will take place on Thursday, April 11, 2019 in the Hospital’s Center for Cancer Care between 1 and 4:00 PM. Trained clinical experts will be on hand to provide confidential screenings and referrals for further evaluation and treatment, if needed.
Advanced registration is not required, but you may call (914) 681-1119 for more information. If you think you may be at risk, don’t wait to get screened.