New Delhi, 28 July 2025: Head and neck cancers include a wide group of malignancies that affect the mouth, throat, voice box, nose, sinuses, and salivary glands. While smoking and tobacco chewing are known risk factors, doctors warn on World Head and Neck Cancer Day that the disease is increasingly affecting non-smokers due to other overlooked causes.
HPV infection is now a leading cause of throat and tonsil cancers
Human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly the high-risk types like HPV-16, is now a major driver of oropharyngeal cancers in younger adults who have never smoked. This sexually transmitted virus can remain dormant and silently lead to cancer over time, especially in the throat and tonsil area.
Poor oral hygiene and dental infections may raise cancer risk
Chronic gum disease, missing teeth, and untreated dental infections contribute to inflammation and cellular changes in the oral cavity, creating a fertile ground for cancer development. Maintaining good oral hygiene and routine dental check-ups is crucial for prevention.
Alcohol consumption increases cancer risk even without smoking
Regular consumption of alcohol can irritate the mucous lining of the mouth and throat, making it more vulnerable to cancer-causing changes—even in individuals who have never used tobacco. The combined effect of alcohol and poor nutrition also weakens cellular repair mechanisms.
Air pollution and occupational hazards are hidden culprits
Exposure to harmful chemicals, wood dust, asbestos, and industrial fumes in factories or polluted environments can increase the risk of developing cancers of the nasal cavity, sinuses, and throat. Protective masks and workplace safety measures are essential for prevention.
Genetic predisposition plays a role in some patients
Some individuals may be genetically more susceptible to developing cancer due to mutations in tumor suppressor genes or family history of head and neck cancers. These patients need regular screening even in the absence of typical lifestyle risk factors.
Symptoms are often ignored until the disease advances
Early signs like a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, voice changes, ear pain, or non-healing mouth ulcers are often dismissed as minor infections. This delay in seeking treatment leads to late-stage diagnosis and poorer survival outcomes.
Neck lumps that don’t go away can be an early cancer sign
A painless lump in the neck, especially if it persists beyond two weeks, can be a sign of metastatic head and neck cancer and should not be ignored. Imaging and biopsy may be needed for accurate diagnosis.
Voice changes and hoarseness may signal laryngeal cancer
If your voice becomes hoarse for more than a few weeks without an obvious cause like infection, it could indicate cancer of the voice box. Smokers and non-smokers alike should pay attention to such symptoms.
Difficulty swallowing and feeling something stuck in the throat are warning signs
Known medically as dysphagia, these symptoms may point to cancers of the pharynx or esophagus and should not be brushed off, especially if accompanied by weight loss or pain.
Prevention includes HPV vaccination, avoiding alcohol and tobacco, and regular check-ups
Getting vaccinated against HPV, maintaining good oral hygiene, limiting alcohol, quitting tobacco, and having routine screenings with ENT specialists or dentists can significantly reduce the risk. Head and neck cancer is treatable when caught early—awareness is the key to survival.
This World Head and Neck Cancer Day, remember that you don’t need to be a smoker to be at risk. Lifestyle factors, infections, genetics, and environmental exposure all play a role. Know the signs, stay vigilant, and consult a doctor if symptoms persist beyond two weeks.
