Head and neck cancers encompass a range of malignancies that affect the throat, voice box, mouth, nose, and related structures. This fatal condition is a significant health concern in India. It is among the most prevalent forms of cancer in the nation and contributes significantly to the overall cancer case load. Head and neck cancer is prevalent in India due to a complex interplay of factors. Head and neck cancer is prevalent in India due to a complex interplay of factors. The diagnosis of head and neck cancer can be overwhelming for both patients and their families. As a result, many questions and concerns arise about the disease, its treatment, and its future. As a result, many questions and concerns arise about the disease, its treatment, and its future.
As per GLOBOCAN 2020 data, head and neck cancers are the most common cancer among men and 4th among women in India. These cancers constitute approximately one-third of all cancer cases, and men are affected about twice as often as women. At the stage of diagnosis, lack of access to cancer care facilities, resource constraints, and sociocultural issues contribute to the poor survival of head and neck cancer patients. Here are a few myths we need to debunk:
1) Alcohol does not independently increase the chance of having head and neck cancer, unlike tobacco
Heavy drinking substantially increases the likelihood of developing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. People who consume three or more bottles of alcohol per day increase their risk of carcinoma twofold compared with non-drinkers. This risk is much higher when alcohol is consumed along with tobacco. Individuals who consume 84 g of ethanol per day and smoke at least 10 cigarettes a day, respectively, are at 35 times higher risk of developing HNSCC compared to those who do not drink alcohol or smoke cigarettes.
2) Chemotherapy should be avoided as it has many side effects
There’s often a mistaken belief that chemotherapy must be avoided because of its side effects. It may cause adverse effects that are usually quite temporary and can even be managed. Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which include cancer cells, but also damages healthy cells such as those in hair follicles, the skin lining the intestines, or bone marrow.
Further benefits of progress in medical science have included the development of new chemotherapy drugs and anti-nausea medications that greatly diminish the side effects of cancer treatment. Chemotherapy is an essential part of cancer treatment. Often, it is the most effective treatment available. Failing to get chemotherapy when you need it may result in long-term complications and reduced chances for survival.
3) Head and neck cancer always leads to permanent loss of speech
It is untrue that speech loss caused by head and neck cancer is invariably irreversible. It is true that speech can be affected by the disease and its treatment, but these effects are rarely permanent. The extent of the impact depends on a complex interplay of factors.
The tumour site is important, as a little tumour on the tonsil will behave differently from a tumour directly on the vocal cords. The stage of diagnosis also matters; early-stage malignancies typically require less harsh treatment, which lowers their risk of speech damage. Importantly, advancements in treatment options offer hope. Surgeons prioritise preserving healthy tissue during tumour removal and utilise reconstruction techniques to restore function. While radiation therapy can cause side effects like dryness and stiffness that affect speech, these often improve over time, aided by speech therapy.
4) After head and neck cancer therapy, there is little that can be done to control swallowing issues
Speech and swallowing therapists are essential in assisting patients in adjusting to modifications in their ability to swallow. They impart muscle-building workouts, coordination drills, and healthy eating habits. Medications and dietary changes might also help manage swallowing issues in some situations.
5) Young people cannot get neck cancer
There is a widespread misperception that mouth cancer strikes the elderly. It’s important to keep in mind that anyone can develop oral cancer, regardless of age, even though the risk does rise with age and instances in people under 40 are less prevalent.
(The author, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, is a Consultant – Surgical Oncology, at Manipal Hospital.)
