Some risk factors for head and neck cancer are lifestyle choices that can be changed, while others cannot. The cancer care specialists at Saint Francis want you to be aware of your risk factors and what you can do to help prevent head and neck cancers.

Head and Neck Cancer Risk Factors

• Prolonged sun exposure
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or more commonly known as the virus that causes mononucleosis
• Gender: Men are two to three times more likely than women to develop head and neck cancer.
• Age: People over 40 are at higher risk for head and neck cancer.
• Race: African Americans are more likely than Caucasians to develop certain types of cancer of the head and neck.
• Poor oral/dental hygiene
• Environmental/occupational inhalants: Exposure to asbestos, wood dust, paint fumes and certain chemicals may increase your risk of head and neck cancer.
• Poor nutrition: A diet low in A and B vitamins can raise your risk of head and neck cancer.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD)
• Weakened immune system

• Fanconi Anemia
• Dyskeratosis Congenita

Head and Neck Cancer Prevention

While cancer may seem to strike for no reason, there are some precautions one can take to lessen the chance of getting head and neck cancer. Please review the tips below and then talk with your primary care provider about any questions or concerns you have.

• Kick Your Tobacco Habit: It’s important to understand cigarettes and cigars aren’t the only culprits. Head and neck cancer can be caused by the use of any tobacco products, including pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff. Saint Francis offers smoking cessation classes throughout the year. 
• Limit Alcohol Use: Heavy drinking increases the risk of cancer of the head and neck. Smoking and heavy drinking increase your chances even more. Damage is done by first causing changes in cells that form the outer layer in the organs of the head and neck. These cells may become pre-cancerous, which in turn can become full blown cancer.
• Consume a healthy diet: Foods rich in vitamin A and vitamin B have been found to be beneficial.
• Use Sunscreen Regularly: It’s important to use an adequate sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen regularly, including lip balm. This is especially important if you work outside and/or are exposed to the sun for multiple hours a day.
• Reduce Your Risk of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Virus: HPV is spread by skin-to-skin contact. Limiting the number of sexual partners will help reduce your risk of HPV and an HPV related cancer.

Learn More About Head and Neck Cancers

About Head and Neck Cancers
Screening and Diagnosis
Treatment of Head and Neck Cancers

Learn More About Cancer Services Provided by Saint Francis

For additional information or to schedule a consultation with a cancer specialist, please call the Saint Francis HealthLink at 918-488-6688.