From Joseph N. Shaughnessy, M.D., radiation oncologist with OHC and the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
April 5, 2018
Joseph N. Shaughnessy, M.D.
Radiation Oncologist with OHC
According to the National Cancer Institute, 65,000 people in the U.S. are newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer annually. Head and neck cancer includes cancers of the head, neck, oral cavity, larynx, pharynx, sinuses/nasal cavity and salivary glands.
April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month, and as part of our focus on education and prevention, we are providing the following information on what you can do to reduce your risk. Although there is no proven way to completely prevent this disease, you may be able to lower your risk with these steps.
- Stop the use of all tobacco products is the most important thing a person can do to reduce their risk, even for people who have been smoking for many years.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Discuss marijuana as a risk factor with your doctor and avoid marijuana use.
- Use sunscreen regularly, including lip balm with an adequate sun protection factor (SPF).
- Get the HPV vaccine or limit your number of sexual partners, since having many partners increases the risk of HPV infection. Using a condom during sex cannot fully protect you from HPV.
- Maintain proper care of dentures. Poorly fitting dentures can trap tobacco and alcohol’s cancer-causing substances. People who wear dentures should have their dentures evaluated by a dentist at least every 5 years to ensure a good fit. Dentures should be removed every night and cleaned and rinsed thoroughly every day.
In addition to these steps, talk with your doctor about your medical history and lifestyle to determine your personal risk of cancer. OHC also participates in clinical trials, testing the newest treatments for cancer including those of the head and neck. For a list of available clinical trials or for more information about head and neck cancer symptoms and treatments, contact us online or call 1-800-710-4674.
