One of the biggest causes of mortality worldwide, cancer is a crippling disease that continues to pose a danger to civilization. Given that head and neck cancers are the seventh most frequent malignancy worldwide, it is critical to acknowledge their presence.

Worldwide, head and neck cancers are on the rise in both incidence and prevalence rates. They are particularly common in developing countries like India, where they account for a significant portion of cancer-related deaths.

According to the most recent Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) estimates published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and published as Cancer Today on the GLOBOCAN website database, head and neck cancers in India account for over 125,000 deaths per year and a noteworthy 30% of all cancer cases.

The lip and oral cavity, hypopharynx, nasopharynx, oropharynx, salivary gland, larynx, and thyroid cancer are among the seven kinds of head and neck cancers included in the GLOBOCAN 2024 database.

Based on the tumor’s anatomical location, these classifications are created in accordance with the International Classification of Diseases Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10). It was projected that the incidence rate will increase until 2050.

Lip and oral cavity cancer had the highest reported prevalences, with 26.31, 17.07, and 6.4 cases per 100,000 people for the 5 years, 3 years, and 1 year, respectively. Oropharyngeal cancer has the highest percentage probability of an increase in new cancer cases by 2050 (103.9%). An estimated 2.1 million additional cases of cancer will occur in India by 2040, a 57.5% rise from 2020, according to estimates of the country’s growing cancer incidence count.

One of the biggest and most significant risk factors for head and neck cancers, particularly oral malignancies, is tobacco addiction. Eighty to ninety percent of individuals with oral cancer had tobacco smoking as a risk factor.

Both combustible (smoking) and smokeless tobacco use are quite prevalent in India, and dual usage also accounts for a significant share of tobacco consumption. The combined effects of alcohol and tobacco use raise the risk of cancer by 500 times.

Depending on the cancer’s location and stage, head and neck cancers may present with a variety of symptoms. Swelling or lumps, discomfort, trouble swallowing, voice changes, a chronic sore throat, ear ache, breathing difficulties, unexpected weight loss, bleeding, and numbness are some typical symptoms.

The late presentation of patients is one of the major obstacles in India’s fight against head and neck cancers. Patients often seek medical attention at late stages of the condition, which limits treatment choices and the likelihood of effective results. This is due to a combination of societal attitudes, lack of understanding, and restricted access to healthcare facilities in rural areas.

A multidisciplinary approach is usually used to treat head and neck cancer, and recent developments in medical technology have produced targeted medicines and immunotherapy in addition to radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.

It is better to prevent than to treat. Cancers of the head and neck may be avoided by

The best way to avoid oral and head and neck cancer is to abstain from alcohol and tobacco use in any form.

Keeping up proper dental hygiene
There is now an HPV vaccination that may help prevent oropharyngeal cancer linked to HPV.
Frequent screening

Developing patient-focused and patient-friendly therapy methods for head and neck malignancies is a critical breakthrough as the healthcare industry stands on the brink of discovery. Let’s all make a commitment to work together to combat head neck cancers throughout April, which is head neck cancer awareness month.