Do These Things Right Now to Help Prevent Cancer

William Carroll, M.D. is the chair of the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a widely-recognized leader in the field of head and neck oncology. He can speak about the full range of head and neck cancers, including benign and malignant tumors of the oral cavity, oropharynx (throat), larynx (voice box), sinuses, skull base, salivary glands and surrounding skin.

Carroll also is a leader in the use of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) in the resection of head and neck tumors. He continues to evaluate novel therapies in head and neck cancer and related disorders.

Do these things right now to help prevent cancer

1. Stop all Tobacco use

Tobacco use is the single largest risk factor for head and neck cancer. About 85 percent of head and neck cancers are linked to tobacco use, and the risk of developing these cancers is related to how much and how long a person smoked or chewed. The amount of tobacco use may affect prognosis and continuing to use tobacco greatly increases ones risk of developing a second cancer, even if the original cancer has been cured. Tobacco use includes smoking cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco and snuff.

2. Limit alcohol consumption

According to the American Cancer Society, about seven out of 10 patients with oral cancer are heavy drinkers.

3. Protect yourself from the sun

Always wear sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and prolonged sun exposure is closely linked to skin cancer in the head and neck. Although most skin cancers can be effectively treated, a subset can become life threatening.

4. Get the HPV vaccine

HPV can cause cervical cancer, but certain strains are also linked to throat cancer. The number of oropharyngeal cancers linked to HPV has risen dramatically over the past few decades and have become more common in younger people. The vaccine is recommended for preteen girls and boys at age 11 or 12.

5. Wear the appropriate gear

If you are exposed to toxic fumes in the work place, wear a protective face mask. Inhaling asbestos, wood dust, paint fumes and certain chemicals may increase a person’s risk.