The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance (HNCA) is a non-profit organization that works with health professionals and organizations, celebrities and survivors to enhance the overall effort in prevention, treatment, and detection of cancers of the head and neck region.
Contents
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Oral Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week
- Risk Factors and Early Symptoms
- Screening for Head and Neck Cancer
- References
The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance was established in 2008. Formerly the Yul Brynner Head and Neck Cancer Foundation, HNCA activities include: • Providing support to head and neck cancer patients throughout the year • Supporting ongoing research in head and neck oncology • Educating children and adults in the disease process, treatment and prevention of head and neck cancer
In addition to year-round events and awareness efforts such as benefit concerts and walkathons, the Alliance sponsors a week-long series of events to promote early detection and public awareness of this disease. Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week (OHANCAW),
Head and Neck Cancer
Cancers of the mouth (lip and tongue), larynx (voice box), pharynx (throat), salivary glands, and nose/nasal passages are generally known as head and neck cancer. These cancers typically form in the squamous cells, which are the cells lining the moistened, mucosal locations of the head and neck, such as the nose, mouth and throat. Such squamous cell cancers are usually termed, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck or head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma (HNSCC). HNSCC typically occurs among middle-aged to elderly adults, but increased diagnoses of HNSCC in people under the age of 45 has been reported in recent years.
Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week
Annual Oral Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week is April 20–26, although in some areas, the week is celebrated during April 14–20. For one week during April, chapters of The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance and affiliates conduct free screenings, educational school talks, walkathons, fundraisers and other events in an effort to save lives via early detection, awareness, support, and education. Chapters all across the country participate in awareness events to help increase knowledge of head and neck cancer; one such chapter is the Louisiana Chapter, which has the main focus of conducting research to raise funding for treatment of local head and neck cancer patients.
Risk Factors and Early Symptoms
Risk factors of head and neck cancer include excessive drinking, and tobacco use (smoking or chewing). People who smoke one pack of cigarettes per day or more increase their chances of developing head and neck cancer by six-fold in comparison to non-smokers. Individuals in the habit of consuming at least 2 alcoholic beverages per day are 20 times more likely to develop head and neck cancer in comparison to non-drinkers.
Some symptoms of head and neck cancer are soreness of the throat, difficulty in jaw movement or swallowing, and the presence of a nodule or lump.
Screening for Head and Neck Cancer
The stage of the disease is a determining factor in deciding the prognosis of head and neck cancer. There is a correlation between disease stage, survival and quality of life. The median five-year survival drops significantly from about 80% with the presence of regional or distant metastasis.
Nearly 8000 people die every year due to head and neck cancer, which is attributed to advanced stage disease at the time of diagnosis. Early detection is imperative for increasing chances of survival. Free screening clinics for head and neck cancers during Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness week, sponsored by the Head and Neck Cancer Alliance, provides opportunities for earlier diagnosis of malignant cancer.
Screenings for oral, head and neck cancer are generally available via your local physician, dentist and other healthcare facilities. The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance offers free screenings nationwide;free screenings are offered predominantly during Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week in April at healthcare events and other related functions. The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance has also developed a free app on iTunes to assist people with screening themselves for head and neck cancer; the app is available at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/head-and-neck-check/id784226942?mt=8. It was found that awareness about oral cancer among patients in Jordan is low. These patients, especially those in high-risk groups for mouth cancer and those of lower socio-economic status, are less well informed about the signs and risk factors of oral cancer. Interventions to improve public knowledge about oral cancer and attitudes towards early diagnosis and treatment are urgently indicated.