“Head and neck cancers usually begin in the squamous cells that line the mucosal surfaces inside the mouth, nose, throat, and salivary glands. They are often referred to as squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

Head and neck cancers account for nearly 4 percent of all cancers in the United States, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Counting cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, the NCI estimates that about 66,920 cases occurred in the U.S. in 2023. About 15,400 people died from these diseases, according to the NCI’s Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) program.

Head and neck cancer is more common among men than women. These cancers are also diagnosed more often among people over age 50 than among younger people.

Symptoms of head and neck cancers may include a lump or a sore that doesn’t heal. In addition, symptoms can include sore throat that doesn’t go away, difficulty in swallowing, and a hoarse voice.

Alcohol and tobacco use are major risk factors for head and neck cancers. Also, infection with cancer-causing types of human papillomavirus (HPV) increases a person’s risk of certain head and neck cancers.”

American Association for Cancer Research – AACR (https://www.aacr.org/patients-caregivers/awareness-months/head-and-neck-cancer-awareness-month/)