Head and Neck Cancer

Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Day is on July 27th.

Head and neck cancer is the ninth most common cancer in Ireland, accounting for 1.6% of all malignant neoplasms, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, in women and 4.0% in men. The average number of new cases diagnosed each year was 170 in women and 438 in men.

Signs and symptoms of head and neck cancer

• Numbness of tongue or face.
• Persistent sore throat or hoarseness.
• Unexplained bleeding from mouth or nose.
• Persistent blocked nose.
• Persistent earache accompanied by changes to hearing.
• Drooping of face on one side.
• Unexplained weight loss over a short period.

Reduce the Risks

• Do not smoke
• Reduce alcohol consumption
• Eat your 5 portions of fruit & veg
• Use sun protection lip cream
• Self examine regularly
• Wear a mask when working with chemicals and dust
• Yearly dental exams
• Get the HPV vaccine