Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), also commonly known as Head and Neck cancers are a group of cancers that originate in the head and neck region of the human body. These include the oral cavity-mouth, throat, salivary glands, but excludes cancer originating in the brain, eyes, esophagus, or thyroid.
Possible Reasons Behind Rising Cases of Head and Neck Cancer in India
"Head and Neck cancers take up a big chunk of overall rise in cancer cases around the world. According to the GLOBOCAN data report, India is expected to see a rise of 2.1 million cancer cases by the year 2040. Alarmingly, this will be a 57.5% rise from the cancer cases recorded in the year 2020. 30% of these cases are expected to be Head and Neck Cancers. On a global scale, Head and Neck Cancer is already the seventh most common cancer, with an estimate of 8.9L new cases and 4.5L deaths each year," shares Dr Vaibhav Saxena, Head of Medical Affairs Oncology at Merck India Healthcare.
Key factors behind Head and Neck Cancers include:
1. Tobacco Use
Tobacco is a highly preventable cause of head and neck cancer in India. Over 28% of Indian adults are tobacco users as identified by the Global Adult Tobacco Survey India, 2016-17, using both smoking and non-smoking tobacco like cigarettes, pipes, and chewing tobacco. This also includes second-hand exposure to smoking in social circles or at home.
Also Read: Are Senior Citizens More At Risk Of Head And Neck Cancer?
2. Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can be considered one of the key causes of cancer of the oral cavity, pharynx, and oesophagus. The International Agency for Research on Cancer marks Alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning there is sufficient evidence of its carcinogenicity in humans.
3. Air Pollution
Long term exposure to air pollution in urban cities and polluted areas like near chemical plants can cause lung, breast and gastric cancers. Recent studies also show long exposure to air pollution leading to oral cavity cancers. Further, exposure to certain chemicals in the air such as particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen oxides (NOx), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can increase the risk of cancer in the nose and the sinuses.
4. Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure
Exposure to UV Radiation due to long sun exposure or artificial tanning procedures increases the risk of skin cancers in the head and neck region, particularly on the lips and face.
Also Read: Skin Cancer Affects Different Parts Of The Body In Men And Women; Here's What Study Reveals
5. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
HPV is usually spread from an infected person via physical contact, either sexual activity/ skin to skin touch with cuts/ abrasions. Certain strains of HPV, especially HPV-16, are linked to oropharyngeal cancers (affecting the throat, base of the tongue, and tonsils).
The rising cases of Head and Neck cancer in India and worldwide highlight the urgent need for targeted awareness, early screening, and lifestyle changes. Public health interventions focused on tobacco and alcohol control, pollution control, vaccination against HPV, and regular oral checkups can go a long way in curbing this growing epidemic.