Head and Neck Surgeon, Dr. Mark Urken and Steve Holzer, Cancer Survivor and Journalist joined On Point with Juandolyn Stokes to discuss the dangers of Head and Neck cancer.
Head and Neck Cancer is an umbrella term that includes the throat cavity, voice box, and esophagus. Once the virus enters the throat it can lead to cancer. Early signs of the disease are persistent cough, lump in the mouth or neck or ulcers that last 12-14 days.
Head and neck Cancer are most often caused by alcohol and tobacco use, but it is also caused by the Human Papillomavirus Virus (HPV), which is a common virus "long associated with cervical cancer in women," said Urken.
At least 4% of cancers in the U.S. are Head and neck Cancer. Urken urged parents to have their children vaccinated against HPV.
Holzer says he found a lump in his neck while shaving that was later found to be cancerous. "I had 7 weeks of radiation and 6 rounds of chemotherapy and it was gone," he added.
Radiation, chemotherapy and surgery are the common treatments for Head and Neck Cancer.
Urken and Holzer were promoting the Made of More campaign where you can go to hear stories of survivors of Head and Neck Cancer. Visit madeofmore.com.
