M. Sitki Copur, MD FACP
Morrison Cancer Center Medical Director
April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that start within the mouth, nose, throat (pharynx), voice box (larynx), sinuses or salivary glands. These cancers usually begin in the squamous cells that line the moist mucosal surfaces inside the head and neck such as in the mouth, nose and throat.
Head and neck cancers account for 4 percent of all cancers in the United States. Each year, almost 62,000 people are diagnosed with head and neck cancers with estimates of 15,400 deaths. Head and neck cancers combined are the seventh most common group of cancers in the world and oftentimes considered preventable because certain lifestyle changes can significantly lower a person’s risk. Men are two to three times more likely than women to develop a head or neck cancer because of their greater use of tobacco and alcohol. However, head and neck cancers found in women have also been rising for several years. The consumption of tobacco (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco) and alcohol are the most common causes of head and neck cancers. While tobacco-induced head and neck cancer is slowly declining globally, the fraction of head and neck cancers due to infection with the human papilloma virus (HPV) or Epstein-Barr virus is rising. Other risk factors for head and neck cancers may include poor oral hygiene, exposure to occupational inhalants (such as asbestos or wood dust), a diet low in vegetables and fruits, gastroesophageal reflux disease and a weakened immune system.
Head and neck cancer can be effectively treated, leading to long-term survival if not cured. However, these cancers occur mostly in older people, and many of them may have other health issues that are complicated by possible side effects of treatments and/or cancer itself such as neck pain or muscle spasms, problems opening mouth or jaw spasm; swelling or pain, difficulty swallowing or acid reflux, swelling of face, neck, or chest, tiredness or lack of energy, taste changes, hearing loss, sleep problems, speech or voice changes, dry skin, or sensitivity to cold due to an underactive thyroid, body appearance and self-image changes, worry, sadness or fear.
At Morrison Cancer Center (MCC) our multidisciplinary cancer team has all the necessary components for effective Head and Neck Cancer treatment including an ear, nose and throat surgical collaboration with our local and UNMC, Methodist colleagues. Our MCC team includes medical oncology offering chemotherapy and immunotherapy; radiation oncology, providing state-of-the-art radiation treatments; dietary; speech, occupational and physical therapy and our survivorship program, providing a survivorship care plan.
Morrison Cancer Center`s state-of-the-art, multidisciplinary cancer care team is complemented by the survivorship program, which provides answers to questions: How often you need check-ups? What tests do you need to check for side effects, the cancer returning or new cancers? What other doctors should you see for follow-up care? Is there anything you can do to help relieve your physical or mental side effects after cancer treatment? When should you start taking these steps?
