Fighting head and neck cancer must involve early diagnosis, but above all preventive measures to prevent it from occurring. Smoking (cigarettes), alcohol consumption (drinks) and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) are the main risk factors for the disease to develop, in addition to a diet low in fruits and vegetables. The various chemical components of tobacco combustion reach the mouth, throat and larynx. Symptoms during advanced disease include pain, bleeding, loss of teeth, weight loss, among others. But, with the increase in early diagnosis and current treatments, the cure rate has risen from 50% in two decades to around 70% today. An international movement that fights to raise awareness and promote education and training in the diagnosis, treatment, results and research in head and neck cancer has been taking place through the Green July Campaign throughout this month, also taking July 27th as a milestone ( Thursday), a date that will involve several actions. The campaign is part of the Brazilian Society of Head and Neck Surgery and will be remembered by Unicamp. Doctors and healthcare professionals will advise patients on the main risk factors and forms of prevention. See below an interview with the surgeon from the Hospital de Clínicas (HC) Álfio Tincani for the Unicamp website clarifying head and neck cancer, which annually accounts for more than 550 new cases worldwide.
Unicamp Portal - What is the Green July Campaign?
Alphium - It is an international movement aimed at increasing awareness and promoting education and training in head and neck cancer diagnosis, treatment, outcomes and research. World Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Day will be celebrated this July 27th (Thursday). The campaign in our country is promoted by the Brazilian Society of Head and Neck Surgery (SBCCP), the second largest specialty society in the world, behind only the American Society. Our society promotes awareness and information activities throughout the month of July to combat this type of cancer. The initiative emerged as part of the opening ceremonies of the 5th World Congress on Head and Neck Cancer in New York, in which we participated. In the opening session, there were speeches by former US president Bill Clinton and American actor Michael Douglas, who had oral cavity neoplasia probably due to HPV.
Unicamp Portal - How do head and neck cancers affect the Brazilian population and worldwide?
Alphium - There are around 23 thousand new cases annually, according to estimates from the National Cancer Institute (Inca). Around 7% of the Brazilian population may have HPV infection detected in the mouth. The number seems small but, in a context of 200 million people, this percentage represents around 14 million individuals at risk of developing the disease in Brazil. In the United States, there are more than 55 thousand new cases per year, representing 3% of new cancer cases. Worldwide, there are estimated to be more than 550 new cases of head and neck cancer annually, with a mortality rate of 300 patients. The predominance often depends on the population's customs and can vary in different regions of our country. Mouth and laryngeal cancer is currently among the five most common cancers among men. In women, thyroid cancer predominates, being the fifth most common among them.
Unicamp Portal - Epidemiologically, what has led to the emergence of head and neck cancer?
Alphium - Head and neck tumors are a generic name for cancer that is located in regions such as the mouth, tongue, soft and hard palate, gums, cheeks, tonsils, pharynx, larynx (where the vocal cords exist and the voice is formed), esophagus , thyroid and paranasal sinuses. Mainly smokers and people who frequently drink alcohol are most affected. However, the diagnosis of the disease is increasingly common in young individuals (under 45 years of age) without exposure to the factors of alcohol and smoking, now with tumors caused by HPV.
Unicamp Portal - How does HPV work?
Alphium - In recent years, HPV infection has contributed to the increase in the incidence of this disease, according to the Brazilian Head and Neck Society. It is an important factor in the development of pharyngeal cancer. One of the ways this infection is transmitted is oral sex with multiple partners.
Unicamp Portal - What should prevention be like?
Alphium - Early diagnosis and rapid initiation of treatment are essential for curing head and neck cancer. One of the main problems is late diagnosis, which occurs in 60% of cases, leaving consequences for the patient even through treatment with major surgery, often followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Early diagnosis is made by finding, through self-examination, a wound in the mouth that does not heal. Oral bleeding, local pain or even nodules in the neck may be the initial findings of the disease. Multiple partners and promiscuity are generally the most common cause of HPV infection.
Unicamp Portal - What treatments are available in our country for head and neck cancer?
Alphium - Treatments will depend on the location of the tumor and its stage of development at the time of diagnosis. Early tumors are usually treated with surgery or radiation therapy. The most advanced ones can be treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and even immunotherapy.
Unicamp Portal - What are the Unicamp HC's actions in this direction?
Alphium - The Outpatient Clinic of the Head and Neck Surgery Department of the Department of Surgery is constantly educating patients about the harm caused by habits such as alcohol consumption and smoking, in addition to the risks of HPV. In this month of July in particular, this is being emphasized even more. On July 27th, doctors will advise patients on the main risk factors and ways to prevent them.
