Prevention
The chances of developing head and neck cancer can be reduced by taking some of the following measures:
- Avoid tobacco use. Most cases of oral cancer are caused by tobacco use, including smokeless tobacco. Avoiding all tobacco products reduces your risk.
- Limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
- Maintain proper dental hygiene. Chronic inflammation from tooth decay or irritation from dentures is a risk for mouth cancer. Brush your teeth and use dental floss to remove food particles from between your teeth. If you wear dentures, clean them every day. See a dentist regularly for professional cleaning and to assure that dentures, crowns or fillings are not causing any irritation.
- Limit exposure to the sun. Wear hats and sunscreen for your lips to avoid exposing your lips/mouth to the ultraviolet light of the sun. Stay indoors during the middle of the day.
- Eat a balanced diet. Eat some foods rich in vitamin A. But do not overdo it or take a supplement without your doctor's approval. A healthy, balanced diet is good for overall health and may help prevent other cancers.
More on Cancers of Head and Neck
Does Aspirin Cut Cancer Risk?
How to Brush Correctly
How to Floss Correctly
Shape Up Your Eating Habits
In the Encyclopedia:
Head and neck cancer
Radical neck dissection
Laryngectomy
Laryngeal cancer
Speech disorders
|
