As a surgeon who works on the frontlines of this crisis every day, I feel a responsibility to raise awareness not only about treatment, but also about prevention, early detection, and systems of care. This article aims to shed light on the key aspects of head and neck cancer—and what we, as a society, must do about it.
What is Head & Neck Cancer?
Head and neck cancer is a broad term that includes malignancies arising from the mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), nasal cavity, sinuses, and salivary glands. These regions are rich in complex anatomy and are critical for breathing, speaking, eating, and expressing emotions. Hence, cancer in these areas not only threatens life—but deeply impacts the quality of life.
The Primary Culprits: Tobacco, Alcohol & HPV
Over 70% of head and neck cancers in India are linked to tobacco use—whether in the form of smoking, chewing tobacco, gutkha, or betel nut. Alcohol is another key co-factor. In recent years, HPV (Human Papillomavirus) has emerged as a significant cause, especially in cancers of the oropharynx (tonsils and back of throat), affecting even non-smokers. The tragedy? These risk factors are largely preventable.
Why Are So Many Cases Detected Late?
Unlike some cancers that hide in the body, head and neck cancers often present with visible and noticeable
Symptoms:
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- A non-healing ulcer or lump in the mouth or neck
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- Persistent sore throat or hoarseness
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- Difficulty swallowing
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- Change in voice
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- Unexplained weight loss or ear pain
And yet, over 60% of patients present in Stage III or IV, when the disease has already advanced. This late presentation drastically reduces survival rates.
The reason lies in lack of awareness, stigma, and fragmented healthcare access—especially in rural and semi-urban India.
Modern Treatment: A Blend of Precision and Compassion
Treatment of head and neck cancer involves a multidisciplinary approach—a combination of surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Today, with the advent of robotic and minimally invasive techniques, we can perform complex surgeries with better precision, less scarring, faster recovery, and improved functional outcomes—especially for throat cancer.
But successful treatment is not just about removing the tumor. It’s about preserving speech, swallowing, facial aesthetics, and psychological well-being. That’s why rehabilitation—through speech therapy, nutritional support, and counseling—is integral to care.
Prevention: Our Greatest Weapon
As a certified tobacco cessation specialist, I can say with conviction:
Prevention works. We must invest in:
Public awareness campaigns targeting youth School-based education to reduce early-age tobacco/betel nut initiation HPV vaccination programs for adolescents Regular screenings, especially in high-risk populations
Promoting simple self-check tools like the “Two-Minute Mirror Check” The Way Forward
The battle against head and neck cancer cannot be won in operating rooms alone. It demands:
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- Stronger public-private partnerships
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- Decentralized cancer centers with skilled surgical teams across India
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- Investment in training and fellowship programs
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- Policy focus on prevention and equitable access to care
In Conclusion
Every day, I operate on patients who could have had a different story—if only the disease had been detected earlier, or prevented altogether. As a surgeon, I cut away disease. But as a citizen, I urge all of us to cut away ignorance. Head and neck cancer is preventable, treatable, and beatable—but only if we act collectively and decisively. Let this be our wake-up call.