Each year 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with cancer of the mouth, nose, throat, voice box or salivary glands. These cancers are highly preventable by stopping smoking, limiting alcohol intake to less than three drinks per day, and getting vaccinated against HPV. Exposure to industrial toxins like asbestos can also increase cancer risk, so limiting contact is recommended. When detected early, many head and neck cancers are highly curable.

1. 50,000 Americans
are diagnosed each
year with cancer of
the
mouth, nose, throat,
voice box
and salivary glands.
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2. But luckily, these
cancers are highly
preventable.
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3. Stop Smoking.
Smoking is the
leading cause of
many types of head
and neck cancers.
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4. Limit drinking.
More than three
drinks a day also
increases your
risk.
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5. Get your kids
vaccinated. The
human papillomavirus
(HPV) accounts for
between 80 and 90
percent of all cancers
of the
oropharynx, which
includes the tonsils
and the back or base
of the tongue. The
CDC recommends
vaccinating both
boys and girls before
age 13. Talk to your
doctor to learn more.
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6. Limit exposure to
toxins. Industrial
chemicals, such as
asbestos, synthetic
fibers, wood or
nickel dust or
formaldehyde also
cause cancer.
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7. When detected
early, many head
and neck cancers
are highly curable.
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8. See your doctor if
you have:
 White or red patches
in the mouth
 Sores in the mouth
or throat that won’t
heal
 Difficulty chewing or
swallowing
 Lump in your mouth
or throat
 Ear pain or pressure
 Hoarseness
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