These ‘Easily Preventable’ ENT Cancers

– How can we explain that Hautes-de-France is more prone to ENT cancer?

“The fact that the level of tobacco and alcohol poisoning remains quite high in the region. These are two main risk factors. And several decades ago we realized that the papilloma virus (HPV) also caused cancer of the ENT organs (1), especially in young patients. And this share is increasing. »

– How to prevent them?

“By reducing the risk factors that we know very well, tobacco and alcohol. And in the case of cancer caused by HPV, vaccination, which is now recommended for all young people, boys and girls aged 11 to 14 years. It is possible to catch up until the age of 19. This is necessary to prevent exposure. In countries where this has been done much longer, dramatic reductions in the incidence of cancers caused by HPV, even of the ENT organs, have been demonstrated. »

– What signs should alert you?

“Difficulty swallowing, change in voice, sore throat or mouth, bleeding from the mouth or lumps on the neck or mouth. These are signs that can be compared to a benign disease. But if you have had one of these symptoms for more than three weeks, you should see your doctor to get tested to see if there is a need for further testing or, if necessary, specialist advice. »

– Is this type of cancer treatable?

“Yes, if detected early, like all cancers. The sooner they are taken, the greater the chance of recovery. In any case, it is a cancer with a good prognosis overall. There are three main types of treatment: radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery. There are different indications for treatment depending on the stage of the cancer and its location. It is a cancer that can be easily treated and prevented with these preventive measures. Often in Vert-de-France we see a later diagnosis, which actually leads to a worse prognosis. »

– And who suffered more?

“This cancer affects 70% of men and 30% of women, but we are seeing them suffer more and more often. And patients suffering from cancer caused by the papilloma virus are younger than normal patients (50 to 64 years old). »

1. Cancer of the throat, larynx, tonsils, oral cavity, sinuses, etc. Usually we are talking about cancer of the head and neck.