2024-05-05 10:32:26
– How can we explain that Hauts-de-France is more affected by ENT cancer?
“By the fact that tobacco and alcohol poisoning are still quite high in the region. These are the two most important risk factors. And we realized a few decades ago that the papillomavirus (HPV) also caused ENT cancer (1), especially in younger patients. And this proportion is increasing. »
– How to prevent them?
“By reducing the risk factors that we know very well, tobacco and alcohol. And, for HPV-induced cancer, by vaccination which is now recommended for all young people, boys and girls, between 11 and 14 years of age. A catch-up is possible up to the age of 19. This is to prevent exposure. In countries where it has been done much longer, it has shown a sharp reduction in cancers caused by HPV, even ENT. »
– What signs should alert you?
“Swallowing difficulties, voice changes, pain in the throat or mouth, bleeding from the mouth or lumps in the neck, in the mouth. These are signs that can be compared to a benign disease. However, if you have one of these symptoms for more than three weeks, you should contact your doctor to be examined and see if there is a need for other tests, or possibly a specialist consultation. »
– Is this type of cancer well treated?
“Yes, if caught early, like all cancers. The earlier they are caught, the greater the chance of recovery. In any case, these are cancers with good prognoses overall. There are three main types of treatment: radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery. There are different indications for treatment depending on the cancer stage and location. It is still a cancer that is easy to treat and prevent through these preventive measures. Often, in Hauts-de-France, we observe a later diagnosis that actually leads to worse prognosis.
– And who is most affected?
“These cancers affect 70% men, 30% women, but we observe that they are increasingly affected. And patients affected by cancer caused by the papillomavirus are younger than normal patients (between 50 and 64 years old). »
1. Cancer of the throat, larynx, tonsils, oral cavity, sinuses, etc. We generally talk regarding head and neck cancer.
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