Tobacco products contain cancer-causing substances known as carcinogens. The use of any form of tobacco can elevate the chances of developing head and neck cancer, a prevalent malignancy leading to fatalities. New Delhi: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is seeing a steep rise in India.
These cancers account for about 30 per cent of all cancer cases. Head and neck cancer includes cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx that primarily originates from the mucosal epithelium, but also from less common sites like salivary glands, and nose, sinuses, muscles and nerves. In India, over 65 per cent, of patients report early-stage head and neck cancer.
One of the major risk factors associated with the rise in head and neck cancer is the use of tobacco, as per experts. However, apart from tobacco use, reverse smoking and alcohol consumption are the major risk factors for HNC. In addition, poor oral hygiene, micronutrient deficiencies, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are reported risk factors for HNC.
Explaining how tobacco consumption causes head and neck cancer, Dr Pritam Kataria , Consultant, Medical Oncology, Sir H.N. Reliance Foundation Hospital said, “Tobacco products contain cancer-causing substances known as carcinogens.
The use of any form of tobacco can increase the risk of developing head and neck cancer, a common malignancy leading to death. The introduction of harmful chemicals into the body through tobacco usage can inflict damage on the DNA within cells, finall.
