27 july 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : India is facing a growing burden of head and neck cancers, with experts highlighting the importance of early detection, regular screening and preventive vaccination to reduce the impact of the disease.
Head and neck cancers can affect the mouth, throat, voice box, nose and other areas of the head and neck. The disease can significantly affect a person’s ability to eat, speak, breathe and carry out everyday activities.
Why Head and Neck Cancers Are a Major Concern in India
Head and neck cancers account for a significant share of the cancer burden in India.
The disease is often linked to tobacco use, smoking, alcohol consumption and certain viral infections. In many cases, patients seek medical help only after symptoms have persisted for a long time, allowing the disease to progress.
Late diagnosis can make treatment more complex and reduce the chances of successful recovery.
Early Screening Can Save Lives
Screening and regular medical evaluation can help identify suspicious changes before the disease reaches an advanced stage.
Doctors may examine the mouth, throat and other areas for abnormal growths, ulcers, patches or other changes. People with a higher risk of developing the disease may require closer monitoring.
Early detection can offer patients more treatment options and may improve outcomes.
The Role of HPV Vaccination
Certain head and neck cancers are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
HPV vaccination can help protect against infections caused by specific HPV types linked to cancer. Vaccination is therefore considered an important tool in cancer prevention, alongside broader efforts to improve awareness and access to preventive healthcare.
Tobacco and Alcohol Remain Important Risk Factors
Tobacco consumption remains one of the biggest preventable risk factors for head and neck cancers.
Smokeless tobacco products, cigarettes and other forms of tobacco can increase the risk of cancer in the mouth and throat. Heavy alcohol consumption can further increase the risk, particularly when combined with tobacco use.
Reducing tobacco and alcohol consumption can play a major role in prevention.
Warning Signs That Should Not Be Ignored
People should seek medical attention if symptoms persist, including:
- A mouth ulcer that does not heal
- A lump or swelling in the neck
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent sore throat
- Unexplained hoarseness
- Unusual bleeding
- Persistent pain in the mouth or throat
- Difficulty opening the mouth
These symptoms can have causes other than cancer, but persistent or unexplained changes should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.
Awareness and Access to Care Are Crucial
Improving awareness can encourage people to seek medical advice earlier.
Greater access to screening, vaccination, specialist care and tobacco-cessation programmes can help strengthen cancer prevention and treatment in India.
Healthcare professionals also stress the importance of avoiding self-diagnosis and seeking medical evaluation when symptoms continue.
A Combined Prevention Strategy Is Needed
Experts say reducing India’s head and neck cancer burden will require a combination of measures.
These include tobacco control, reduced alcohol consumption, HPV vaccination, public awareness, early screening and timely access to diagnosis and treatment.