Detection and Prevention
Early detection helps make cancers more treatable. Watch for head and neck cancer symptoms, like neck lumps, oral changes, throat or voice changes, nasal symptoms, or facial and ear symptoms, and schedule regular visits with your dentist and health care provider to help spot signs and symptoms early.
Screenings
Screenings also aid early detection.
HPV Screening
Human papillomavirus (HPV) can significantly increase your risk of head and neck cancer. A positive screening can inform your providers of the increased risk.
Thyroid Screening
Thyroid disease increases your risk for developing cancer. If you have a family history of thyroid disease or have had exposure to radiation, you may benefit from this screening.
Prevention
Sun protection, regular dental visits, regular physicals, a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and lifestyle modifications, if needed, can reduce your risk for head and neck cancer.
Lifestyle Factors
Tobacco tops the list of risk factors for head and neck cancer. This includes smoking or chewing tobacco, dipping snuff, and pipe smoking. When combined with alcohol use, the risk rises even more.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing daily, along with routine dental visits, can help reduce risk and find signs of oral cancer early.
Get the HPV Vaccine
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can prevent infections that lead to certain types of head and neck cancers, especially those in the throat, tonsils, and base of the tongue.
Avoid Prolonged Sun Exposure
Use sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat and seek shade to limit sun exposure, which increases the risk for skin cancer.
Cancer Detection and Prevention
Genetic counseling and cancer risk assessments can help find risks early and explain what they mean for you. The Cancer Prevention and Supportive Care Center offers personalized care and guidance every step of the way.
Contact Us
The Premier Health Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and Reconstructive Plastic Surgery team is dedicated to providing compassionate, expert care tailored to your needs. Please contact us at (937) 208-6325(937) 208-6325 to speak with one of our team members or to schedule an appointment.