Brits are being urged to be aware of the early warning signs of tumours in the head and neck, which are becoming one of the fastest growing types of cancer in the UK
Cancers of the head and neck are on the rise, with one expert sounding the alarm over its earliest warning signs. Brits are being urged to safeguard their health by familiarising themselves with the early signs and symptoms of tumours in their head and neck as this is rapidly becoming “one of the world’s fastest-growing” cancer types.
Dr Jiri Kubes, medical director of cancer treatment facility Proton Therapy Center, highlighted that this increase is particularly prevalent among young people. Tumours and cancer can develop in 30 different areas around the head and neck, including the tongue, voice box, throat and sinuses.
With an estimated 12,000 people in the UK now being diagnosed with head and neck cancers each year, Cancer Research UK has revealed these rates have surged by a third since the 1990s. Dr Kubes suggested that the rise in tumours could be partially linked to the HPV infection, which rarely shows symptoms.
The expert labelled this surge of virus-induced head and neck cancers a “worrying trend” but noted people have a better chance for treatment and survival if they get an early enough diagnosis, which largely depends on people recognising the early symptoms. Dr Kubes has issued a warning, saying: “Some of the early head and neck cancer symptoms can easily be mistaken for other common ailments, so it’s important to be aware of any changes to your body and address any concerns.”
He emphasised that a persistent sore throat lasting more than two weeks should not be ignored. Other critical signs include having sore gums or painful teeth, as well as the appearance of ulcers or white or red patches in the mouth, which could be “tell-tale signs” of cancer.
Additionally, swelling in parts of the neck or feeling “resistance when touching a part of the neck” are significant indicators, along with persistently blocked ears or earache. Dr Kubes stressed: “While having any of these symptoms does not necessarily need to be a cause for alarm, it’s vital that if you suspect something is not right that you see your doctor.” He pointed out that catching the disease early can lead to a survival rate as high as 90%, whereas a late diagnosis might result in survival rates of around 40%.