Reducing the Risk of Head and Neck Cancer
While head and neck cancer might not be completely preventable, people can significantly lower their risk by taking certain steps. These include:
- Not smoking
- Avoiding alcohol abuse
- Eating a well-balanced diet
- Using sunscreen and lip balm regularly
- Practicing protected sex
- Maintaining good oral hygiene
Quitting tobacco products decreases the risk of head and neck cancer, even if a person has been smoking or using them for many years. UT Southwestern offers a nicotine cessation program to help patients quit in a supportive environment at no cost.
HPV infection is a risk factor for some types of head and neck cancer, and early evidence suggests that HPV vaccines such as Gardasil prevent oral HPV infections.
Risk Reduction for People at High Risk
It’s important that high-risk people, especially those who use tobacco, talk to their doctor about reducing their risk and how frequently they should have checkups.
Additionally, various medications to prevent head and neck cancers in high-risk people are currently being tested in clinical trials. For more information about these clinical trials, visit the National Cancer Institute website or speak with an information specialist from NCI’s Cancer Information Service (CIS) by calling 800-4-CANCER (800-422-6237).