Prevention for Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

Executive Summary

Studies are still evaluating the factors accountable for causing laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer, thereby devising ways to prevent these diseases. Even though there is no tested way to avoid these cancers altogether, people can surely lower their risk of developing the disease and lead a healthy lifestyle. Some common preventive measures for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers include avoiding alcohol and tobacco, eating a balanced, healthy diet, controlling body weight, being physically active by following regular exercise, avoiding HPV infection, chemical exposure, and undergoing regular medical check-ups and care.

Prevention for Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer

Different factors may be responsible for causing various head and neck cancers. Studies are still evaluating the factors accountable for causing laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers, thereby devising ways to prevent these diseases. Even though there is no tested way to prevent these cancers completely, people can surely lower their risk of developing the disease and lead a healthy lifestyle.

Preventive measures

Some measures to prevent laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancer are as follows:

Avoid usage of alcohol and tobacco

Alcohol consumption and tobacco use are the foremost risk factor for causing most types of head and neck cancers, including laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers additionally people should also avoid second-hand smoke. a person having the habit of both drinking and smoking are at a higher risk of cancer and other fatal disorders. The more a person drinks and smokes, the risk also increases, and if you plan to quit drinking or tobacco use, you can consult a qualified medical professional who can suggest ways to quit the use and control the urge ​1​.

Eat a balanced, healthy diet

Eating a balanced diet is essential in maintaining our overall well-being and preventing deadly diseases like cancer. Including plenty of fruits and vegetables, pulses, and whole grains in your diet and avoiding refined, oily, sugary, and charred foods in addition to limiting the intake of processed and red meat and eating a diet rich in vitamins and minerals helps the overall health and well-being.

Controlling body weight

Excessive body weight can harm health. Maintaining a healthy body weight is vital in leading a disease-free life. Eating as per your body requirements, rather than indulging in junk eating, is an ideal way. Obesity stands as the foremost reason for most kinds of diseases. Controlling body weight can increase a person’s life efficiency and comfort.

Regular Exercise

Being physically active and fit can help people lead a healthy, cancer-free lifestyle. Exercising regularly can help control body weight and improve overall health and quality of life additionally, people can practice basic, simple exercises, yoga, and meditation daily to decrease their risk of cancer and many other lifestyle disorders.

Avoid HPV infection

an HPV infection can increase the risk of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers, hence people are advised to reduce their chance of contracting a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. People who indulge in oral sex having multiple partners are seen to get an HPV infection, hence, people are advised to practice safe sex. People can also make use of the available HPV vaccines to prevent infection ​2​.

Avoid chemical exposure

People exposed to industrial chemicals are at a high risk of developing certain cancers and other lifestyle diseases. People working in such industrial sectors should be extra cautious. Having a fully ventilated workplace, using masks, industrial respirators, and other adequate precautions can reduce a person’s risk of several diseases. 

Regular medical check-ups and care

Regular self-examinations and screenings can help people detect cancers early. People need to carry out a complete body check-up at least twice a year. People should observe their bodies and closely look for changes, disease signs or symptoms. If a person experiences any signs or symptoms, they should not hesitate to consult a doctor and get a proper diagnosis. People are encouraged to ask questions and clear their doubts regarding any medical condition or disease.

References

  1. 1.
    Marron M, Boffetta P, Zhang ZF, et al. Cessation of alcohol drinking, tobacco smoking and the reversal of head and neck cancer risk. International Journal of Epidemiology. Published online October 5, 2009:182-196. doi:10.1093/ije/dyp291
  2. 2.
    Chaturvedi AK, Graubard BI, Broutian T, et al. Effect of Prophylactic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination on Oral HPV Infections Among Young Adults in the United States. JCO. Published online January 20, 2018:262-267. doi:10.1200/jco.2017.75.0141