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Head and neck cancers are a group of cancers that can start anywhere in the general head or neck area, including in the nasal cavity, sinuses, lips, mouth, salivary glands, throat or larynx. The most common types of head and neck cancer are of the mouth, throat or voice box.
People ages 50 or older are at higher risk than younger people, but they’re not the only ones at risk.
Understanding the risk factors can help you protect yourself, and knowing the symptoms can help you advocate for yourself with your healthcare team.
Take our quiz to see how much you know about head and neck cancers.
1. Women are diagnosed with head and neck cancers more than men.
Correct
Incorrect
false. Men are two times as likely to get head and neck cancers as women, but women, especially women over 50, are still at risk.
2. Alcohol and tobacco use are the two greatest risk factors for head and neck cancers.
Correct
Incorrect
true. People who use alcohol and tobacco, especially those who use both, are at higher risk of developing head and neck cancers than those who don’t.
3. Some types of head and neck cancers are preventable with a vaccine.
Correct
Incorrect
true. Some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause head and neck cancers. The HPV vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent certain head and neck cancers.
4. There is a routine screening test for head and neck cancers.
Correct
Incorrect
false. There is no regular screening test for head and neck cancers, but dentists can check for oral symptoms during routine visits. If you are concerned about your risk factors or symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider.
5. All head and neck cancers are treated the same way.
Correct
Incorrect
false. There are many ways to treat head and neck cancers. Your healthcare provider will come up with a treatment plan based on your medical history, the specific type of cancer you have and where the cancer is located. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy or a combination of these options.
6. Head and neck cancers can develop in many different locations.
Correct
Incorrect
true. Head and neck cancers can form in different parts of the body, including the mouth, throat, voice box, sinuses, nasal cavity and salivary glands.
7. Head and neck cancers don’t have symptoms.
Correct
Incorrect
false. Symptoms for head and neck cancers can be different depending on where the cancer is located. Some common symptoms may include a lump on the back of neck, jaw, or mouth; a mouth ulcer; pain or weakness in the jaw or face; difficulty moving the jaw or swallowing; speech problems; ear pain or hearing loss; trouble breathing; sore throat; white or red patches in the mouth or throat; or unexplained weight loss.
8. Tanning or excess sun exposure can cause some types of head and neck cancer.
Correct
Incorrect
true. Extended UV light exposure from the sun or tanning beds can increase the risk of lip and skin cancers.
This educational resource was created with support from Daiichi Sankyo.
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