National Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week: A Focus on Screening

April 12-18 is recognized as Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week, a time focused on promoting education around these types of cancer and screening methods for early detection. 

Below are a few facts from the National Cancer Institute regarding oral, head and neck cancer:

• Head and neck cancer accounts for approximately 3 percent of all cancers in the U.S. It is the sixth-most common type of cancer worldwide.
• Early detection and treatment are key to controlling these diseases.
• People who use tobacco and consume alcohol are at greater risk than people who use either tobacco or alcohol alone.
• These cancers are nearly twice as common in men than in women.
• Treatment for head and neck cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy or a combination of treatments.

Given the importance of early detection, Oklahoma CyberKnife encourages patients to learn about screening methods. A recent study indicated adding screenings for head and neck cancer to lung cancer screenings recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force would likely improve early detection and survival, as those most at risk of developing lung cancer are also most at risk for head and neck cancer.   

At Oklahoma CyberKnife, we treat a variety of cancers with an advanced procedure called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) using CyberKnife^® technology. Contact us to learn about this noninvasive approach that can be completed in five or fewer treatment sessions.

This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.