It can start subtly: a sore in the mouth, a sore throat, hoarseness in the voice. While these symptoms may seem run-of-the -mill, if they stick around, they could potentially be signs of oral, head and neck cancer, which is a grouping of cancers that account for nearly 4% of cancers in the U.S., diagnosed in nearly 68,000 people a year, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Oral, head and neck cancer can include any type of cancer found in those regions of the body: in the sinuses, nose, mouth, throat, voice box, lips and even salivary glands. The death rate with this kind of cancer is high, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation, with only 57 percent of those diagnosed surviving five years. That’s because these kinds of cancers can be notoriously hard to discover, and are often diagnosed in the later stages, after the cancer has spread to other places in the body.

While men older than 50 are more likely to be diagnosed with oral, head and neck cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in recent years, more younger people are learning they have cancer in the head, mouth or neck. That’s because oral cancer can be caused by a virus: human papillomavirus (especially HPV version 16), which is a sexually transmitted infection that causes nearly three-quarters of  oropharyngeal cancers, according to the National Cancer Institute.  According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, “the fastest-growing segment of oral cancer patients is young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals due to the connection to the HPV virus.” 

April 16-22 is Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week. During this time, we want to help spread the word about these types of cancer and how to lower your risk. Every hour of every day, a person dies from oral, head and neck cancer. Through education, we hope to change that. 

Who is most at risk for oral, head and neck cancer?

  • Tobacco users. Tobacco use is the biggest risk factor for this grouping of cancers, according to the American Cancer Society, whether it’s in the form of cigarettes, pipes, cigars or chewing tobacco.
  • People who drink. Alcohol is also a major risk factor for oral, head and neck cancer, according to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. And people who drink and smoke face even greater cancer risks.  
  • People who are sexually active. As mentioned, HPV can cause oropharyngeal cancer, which begins in the middle of the throat. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center states that “HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer is the fastest-growing type of head and neck cancer in the United States.”
  • People exposed to ultraviolet light, including tanning beds. This, says the CDC, can lead to cancer of the lips.
  • People exposed to certain substances on-the-job. The CDC says that breathing in certain chemicals and substances, such as wood dust, asbestos, nickel and formaldehyde can also lead to cancers in the nasopharynx, especially for people working in construction, textiles, ceramics, food processing and other industries.
  • People with certain other illnesses. If you’ve had radiation treatment to the head or neck, that can lead to certain cancers. In addition, people who have had the Epstein-Barr virus may face a higher risk of cancer in or near the nose and in the salivary glands, says the CDC.

How can I prevent oral, head and neck cancer?

There are a few actions you can take to lower your risk of getting these particular cancers. If you stop using tobacco and you minimize how much alcohol you drink, you’re taking important steps towards protecting yourself. In addition, talk to your doctor about the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for everyone through age 26, and could benefit people up to age 45.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of oral, head and neck cancer?

Again, one of the reasons that oral, head and neck cancer can be difficult to diagnose is because the symptoms can seem relatively minor, and could be caused by any number of other conditions. The CDC shares some of those symptoms, which could include:  

  • A white or red sore on the gums, tongue, or lining of the mouth that doesn’t heal
  • Bleeding or pain in the mouth
  • Swelling in the jaw
  • Challenges with dentures
  • Trouble breathing or speaking
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing food
  • A sore throat that won’t go away
  • Pain when swallowing
  • Ringing in the ears, pain in the ears, trouble hearing
  • Blocked sinuses or a sinus infection that doesn’t respond to treatment
  • Nosebleeds
  • Headaches
  • Pain/swelling under the eyes

If you experience these symptoms, trust your instinct and speak up—especially if you fall into any of the higher-risk categories. Let your doctor or dentist know that you’re concerned your symptom could be related to oral, head and neck cancer. You know your body best, and if something is wrong, it’s critical to find the right treatment as quickly as possible.