Head and Neck Cancer Facts: Risk Factors

There are several factors that may increase the risk of developing head and neck cancer. The number one risk factor for head and neck cancer is tobacco use - smoking it or chewing it. According to the National Cancer Institute, tobacco use is linked to 85% of head and neck cancer cases. Another large risk factor is consuming alcohol.

Head and neck risk factors depend on location.

Head and Neck
Head and Neck
  • Oral Cavity (Mouth): Risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol use, sun exposure, and possibly human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
  • Salivary Glands: Risk factors include radiation therapy or diagnostic X-rays.
  • Paranasal Sinuses and Nasal Cavity: Risk factors include inhalation of certain industrial elements (like wood or nickel dust) and possibly tobacco or alcohol use.
  • Nasopharynx: Risk factors include work-related exposure to wood dust, consuming certain salted foods or preservatives, and the Epstein-Barr virus. It is also worth noting that those of Asian ancestry (part Chinese) appear to develop Nasopharynx cancer more easily than the general population.
  • Oropharynx: Risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol use, poor oral hygiene, and possibly HPV.
  • Larynx:(Voicebox) Risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol use, and exposure to airborne asbestos (especially in the work environment).

Other risk factors for head and neck cancer may include the following:

  • Use of paan (betel quid) in the mouth - typically used by Southeast Asian immigrants
  • Consuming Yerba mate - a beverage similar to tea typically consumed by South Americans

Reducing Your Risk of Head and Neck Cancer

While some risk factors are beyond your control, like previous radiation treatment or genetics (your ancestry), there are things you can do to help prevent the development of head and neck cancer. The two most important measures are to quit using tobacco and consuming less alcohol. Consult your doctor to learn more about what you can do to reduce your risk of developing head and neck cancer and how often to have medical checkups.

Learn about screening for head and neck cancer and how to recognize possible signs and symptoms of: Head and Neck Cancer Facts: Screening, Signs and Symptoms.



IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: Taxotere® treatment can cause serious, physically limiting, and potentially life-threatening side effects, such as infection, low blood-cell counts, allergic reaction, and retention of excess fluid (edema).

Taxotere® should not be given to patients with low white–blood-cell counts, abnormal liver function, or a history of allergic reactions to Taxotere® or any of the ingredients in Taxotere®.

Before each Taxotere® treatment, all patients treated with Taxotere® must receive another medicine called dexamethasone. This drug can help reduce the risk of fluid retention (edema) and allergic reactions.

Taxotere® should be administered only under the supervision of a qualified physician experienced in the use of anticancer treatments. Appropriate management of complications is possible only when adequate diagnostic and treatment facilities are readily available.

Treatment-related acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or myelodysplasia has occurred in patients given anthracyclines and/or cyclophosphamide, including use with Taxotere® in adjuvant therapy for breast cancer.

The most common severe side effects are low white–blood-cell count, anemia, fatigue, diarrhea, and mouth and throat irritation. Low white–blood-cell count can lead to life-threatening infections. The earliest sign of infection may be fever, so tell your doctor right away if you have a fever.

Other common side effects from Taxotere® include nausea, vomiting, hair loss, rash, infusion-site reactions, odd sensations (such as numbness, tingling, or burning) or weakness in the hands and feet, nail changes, muscle and/or bone pain, or excessive tearing.

Because of the potential risk of fetal harm, pregnant women should not receive Taxotere®. Women of childbearing potential should avoid becoming pregnant during treatment with Taxotere®.

Before receiving Taxotere®, tell your doctor if

  • You have any allergies
  • You are taking any other medicines — including nonprescription (over-the-counter) drugs, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements

When taking Taxotere®, contact your doctor if

  • You have symptoms of an allergic reaction (warm sensation, tightness in your chest, itching/hives, or shortness of breath)
  • You experience any other side effects

Please see accompanying full prescribing information, including boxed WARNING.

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Taxotere® (docetaxel) Injection Concentrate Indications

Breast Cancer
TAXOTERE® is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer after failure of prior chemotherapy
TAXOTERE® in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of patients with operable node-positive breast cancer

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
TAXOTERE®, as a single agent, is indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after failure of prior platinum-based chemotherapy
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin is indicated for the treatment of patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have not previously received chemotherapy for this condition.

Prostate Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with prednisone is indicated for the treatment of patients with androgen independent (hormone refractory) metastatic prostate cancer.

Gastric Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, including adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, who have not received prior chemotherapy for advanced disease.

Head and Neck Cancer
TAXOTERE® in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil is indicated for the induction treatment of patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).