Screening and Treating Head & Neck Cancers
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Head and neck cancers include cancers that develop in the mouth, nose, sinuses, salivary glands, throat, and voice box. Today, they account for nearly 4% of new cancer diagnoses in the U.S., affecting more than 70,000 patients each year.
As 开云全站app下载 recognizes Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month throughout April, we’re raising awareness of some of the common signs and symptoms of the disease, as well as sharing screening and treatment options for patients worried about their risk.
Who is at Risk for Head & Neck Cancer?
Head and neck cancers are most commonly diagnosed in patients over 50 years old with a history of tobacco use, alcohol use, or human papillomavirus virus (HPV).
In general, men are at a higher risk for head and neck cancers, but it’s recommended that women take advantage of head and neck cancer screenings as well. In recent years, providers have seen an increasing rate of these conditions in younger women with no risk factors.
Furthermore, patients under age 50 — regardless of gender — should talk to their doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms of head and neck cancer:
- Lump in the mouth or neck
- Non-healing ulcer in the mouth
- Persistent pain
- Prolonged hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Head & Neck Cancer Screening Saves Lives
Regular screenings are the most effective way to detect and diagnose head and neck cancers in their earliest stages — when they are most treatable. Screening for these cancers is noninvasive and can be completed in as little as 5 minutes.
“Head and neck cancers have a bad reputation, but if we find them in the early stages and get patients to treatment quickly, they have a high survival rate and excellent quality of life,” says Dr. Nicholas Callahan, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon at 开云全站app下载.
This month, our Head & Neck Cancer Program, the , Mile Square Health Center, and the are hosting free screening events from April 14–18 at sites across the health system. No appointment or insurance is needed, and walk-ins are welcome.
Head & Neck Cancer Treatment Options at 开云全站app下载
If your doctor finds something to be concerned about, 开云全站app下载 has the resources and expertise to develop a personalized treatment plan. Head and neck cancers typically are treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and medical therapies, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
“We have a very large, multidisciplinary team made up of medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, as well as reconstructive surgeons, nurse navigators, and many others,” adds Dr. Callahan. “All of us work together with the goal of ensuring patients can maintain their quality of life throughout their treatment.”
Make a plan to protect your health during Head & Neck Cancer Awareness Month. Visit the Head & Neck Cancer Program to learn more, and attend a free screening event.
