CABANATUAN CITY – The Department of Health Central Luzon Center for Health Development is urging the public to practice healthy habits and seek early medical consultation to prevent head and neck cancer.
Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital (JBLMGH) Head and Neck Cancer Specialist Paulyn Gaddi said avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption significantly lowers the risk of developing the disease.
She also recommended getting vaccinated—especially against human papillomavirus (HPV), using sunblock to protect the skin from sun exposure, eating nutritious food while avoiding preservatives, and consulting a healthcare provider immediately when symptoms appear.
Gaddi explained that head and neck cancer refers to several types of cancer affecting various parts of the body, including the ears; nose, sinus, and back of the nose; lips, mouth, and palate; tonsils and throat; salivary glands; neck and thyroid; lymph nodes; and the skin on the face and neck.
According to the 2022 Global Cancer Observatory of the World Health Organization, the top five cancers in the Philippines were breast cancer, accounting for 17.5 percent of cases; lung cancer at 12.6 percent; colorectal cancer at 11 percent; liver cancer at 6.6 percent; and prostate cancer at 5.2 percent.
However, Gaddi noted that while head and neck cancers are listed separately, when combined, they actually make up 8.79 percent of all cancer cases in the country.
“Therefore, head and neck cancer actually ranks number four if we combine all the parts of the head and neck. So, it is very important that we give attention to this and increase our awareness about head and neck cancer,” she pressed.
Regarding causes, Gaddi warned that the leading risk factor for head and neck cancer is smoking.
Individuals who smoke are 10 times more likely to develop the disease, and those who consume up to 40 sticks or two packs a day are 13 times more likely to be affected compared to non-smokers.
Additionally, she emphasized that 85 percent of head and neck cancer cases are linked to tobacco use.
Meanwhile, alcohol consumption is another major contributor.
Gaddi mentioned that drinking just a quarter glass daily doubles the risk, while half a glass increases it fourfold.
She also stressed that the risk is even higher when smoking and drinking are combined due to their synergistic effects, where both substances heighten each other’s harmful impact.
Other risk factors include aging, a family history of cancer, a weakened immune system, a poor diet—especially one high in preservatives, exposure to harmful environmental substances such as chemicals, and the presence of other diseases.
HPV infection and radiation exposure also contribute to the risk of developing head and neck cancer.
Gaddi further cited occupational and environmental exposures that may increase vulnerability to the disease.
She explained that inhaling wood dust, nickel dust, and asbestos can raise the risk of cancer in the nose, sinus, and voice box.
Nasopharyngeal cancer, which affects the area behind the nose, is more prevalent among Asians—particularly those of Chinese descent—and is linked to the Epstein-Barr virus and a diet high in preserved foods.
Oral cancer, on the other hand, is often caused by chewing betel nuts and poor oral hygiene, while prolonged sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer.
Gaddi added that symptoms of head and neck cancer vary depending on the affected area.
These may include nosebleeds or coughing up blood, frequent nasal congestion, ear pain or ringing, persistent mouth sores, bad breath, chronic coughing or throat clearing, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, lumps in the neck, and unusual moles.
Individuals experiencing any of these symptoms are advised to consult the JBLMGH Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Department.
For inquiries or appointments, they may call or text 0998-551-5690, or book online through the hospital’s official platforms. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)