Following the Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week, which ran from April 7 to 14, the Department of Health-Region VI (DOH-6) advised the public on the diseases as cancer is the third-most common cause of death in the region.

According to DOH-6 senior health program officer John Richard Lapascua, while cases of head and neck cancer are not as prevalent as stomach, breast, lung, or cervical cancer, the public should be aware of it, particularly because they can be treated if detected early.

Head and neck cancer can affect the oral cavity, pharynx (throat), larynx (voicebox), and nasal cavity and can be brought about from smoking, alcohol consumption, low immune system resistance, poor oral health, exposure to radiation or poor work environment, and excessive consumption of preserved or salted foods.

Lapascua recommended a healthy lifestyle to avoid such ailments.

“DOH emphasizes the best way to deal with that is [prevention],” he explained. “Stop smoking, avoid alcohol beverages, and illegal drugs.”

“Exercise and diet,” the DOH official added.

Last December, the Riverside Medical Center in Bacolod City opened the Riverside Bacolod Cancer Care Center, which provides consultation, radiation therapy, brachytherapy, and survivorship counseling./WDJ