BENGALURU: The International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS), in collaboration with American Head and Neck Society (AHNS), has declared July 27 as World Head and Neck Cancer Day, which they hope will help in aiding prevention.
Head and neck cancer (including thyroid lesions) is the third most common malignancy seen in both the sexes across the globe, but is more common in Indian males. Also, oral cavity cancer is the most prevalent type amongst the males and one of the highest across the globe.
Around 10,000 to 15,000 head and neck cancer cases are reported annually in Karnataka out of which 6,000 to 7,000 are cases of oral cancer. On World Head and Neck Cancer Day, Health Care Global oncologists spoke about how it’s a preventive disease.
“Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common form in the world and constitutes 30-40 per cent of all cancers among men in India. The most common causes are consumption of tobacco and alcohol. Alcohol, often taken together with cigarette, lets carcinogens in tobacco enter our tissues better as alcohol is an excellent solvent,” said Dr Vishal Rao, Consultant, Head and Neck Surgeon, HCG.