Head and Neck Cancer Prevention

There is no guaranteed way to prevent head and neck cancer, but many cases are linked to risk factors that can be reduced or avoided. Head and neck cancers include cancers that develop in areas such as the mouth, throat, voice box, nasal cavity, sinuses, and salivary glands. The most important preventable risk factors for many of these cancers are tobacco use, alcohol use, and infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Taking steps to reduce these exposures can lower your risk.

• Avoid tobacco

• Tobacco use is one of the strongest risk factors for head and neck cancer.

• This includes:

• Cigarettes

• Cigars

• Pipes

• Smokeless tobacco, such as chewing tobacco and snuff

Tobacco can increase the risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, and voice box, among other areas of the head and neck. Secondhand tobacco smoke may also contribute to cancer risk. If you currently use tobacco, quitting can reduce your risk of developing cancer and provide many other health benefits. Your healthcare provider can help you find medications, counseling, or other resources that may make quitting easier.

Limit alcohol

Alcohol is another major risk factor for several head and neck cancers, including cancers of the mouth, throat, and voice box. The risk generally increases as alcohol consumption increases. Using tobacco and alcohol together is especially harmful. People who use both have a greater risk of developing head and neck cancer than people who use either one alone. Drinking less alcohol, or avoiding alcohol altogether, can help reduce your cancer risk.

Protect yourself from HPV

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a very common virus. Certain high-risk types of HPV can cause cancers of the oropharynx, which is the middle part of the throat that includes the tonsils and base of the tongue. Most HPV infections clear on their own. However, when a high-risk HPV infection persists for many years, it can eventually lead to cancer.

Get the HPV vaccine

HPV vaccination can prevent new infections with HPV types associated with several cancers, including oropharyngeal cancer. The CDC recommends:

• Routine HPV vaccination at ages 11 or 12, although vaccination can begin at age 9

• Catch-up vaccination for everyone through age 26 who was not adequately vaccinated earlier

• For some adults ages 27 through 45, vaccination may be considered after a discussion with a healthcare provider

The vaccine prevents new HPV infections. It does not treat an HPV infection that is already present. If you are unsure whether you received the complete HPV vaccine series, talk with your healthcare provider.

Reduce your risk of HPV exposure

HPV can spread through intimate skin-to-skin and sexual contact, including oral sex. Having fewer sexual partners and using barrier protection may reduce the likelihood of HPV exposure, although these strategies cannot completely eliminate the risk because HPV can infect areas not covered by a condom or other barrier. HPV is extremely common, and having HPV does not mean that someone will develop cancer. Most infections never cause cancer.

Avoid betel quid and areca nut

Chewing betel quid, which often contains areca nut and may also include tobacco, increases the risk of cancers of the mouth and throat. Betel quid and areca nut are commonly used in some parts of South and Southeast Asia and in some cultural communities around the world. Avoiding these products can reduce the risk of oral and other head and neck cancers.

Take care of your mouth and teeth

Regular dental care is important for your overall oral health and can also provide opportunities for a dentist to notice unusual areas in the mouth. During a dental visit, your dentist may examine your lips, gums, tongue, cheeks, and other areas of the mouth. Report sores, patches, lumps, or other changes that do not heal or go away.

Know your personal risk

Your risk of head and neck cancer can be influenced by several factors, including:

• Tobacco use

• Heavy alcohol use

• HPV infection

• Previous head and neck cancer

• Certain occupational or environmental exposures

• A weakened immune system

• Age and other individual factors

Different types of head and neck cancer can have different risk factors, so your personal risk will depend partly on which area of the head or neck is being considered.

Steps you can take

Many head and neck cancers cannot be completely prevented, but several of the most important risk factors are modifiable. Avoiding tobacco, limiting alcohol, and receiving HPV vaccination when appropriate are among the most effective ways to lower your risk. Regular medical and dental care can also help you identify persistent changes in your mouth, throat, or neck that should be evaluated.