What is head and lung cancer?

Head and neck cancer (including thyroid lesions) is third most common malignancy seen in both the sexes across the globe but is the commonest malignancy encountered in Indian males. Also oral cavity cancer is the most prevalent type amongst the males and one of the highest across the globe. Head Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is the main cause of death and disability in most parts of the world.

The vast majority of HNSCC can be prevented or cured if detected early, but millions of people suffer from either from delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment and inappropriate rehabilitation. The actual burden of head and neck cancer is more than just the reported cases, which has been further depicted in reports published by the ‘Net-based Atlas of Cancer in India’.

According to Jatin Shah, Chief of the Head and Neck Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, “The vast majority of these cancers can be prevented or can be cured if detected early; however, millions suffer from delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment, inappropriate rehabilitation and palliation.” Head neck cancer patients are prone to develop second cancer and hence, long term follow-up is needed. Ninety per cent of oral cancers can be prevented by quitting tobacco, alcohol and betel nut.

The foundation encourages advocacy for strengthening health care system and introduce community-based approaches for awareness, risks, prevention and early detection of HNSCC with the help of public awareness campaigns, group discussions by patients, families and support groups, Media coverage through interviews with experts and free screening activities, while aiding the enhancement of expertise of Physicians by upgrading their knowledge and skills through CME programs.