How to Live With Throat Cancer

Throat cancer refers to any condition where cancer cells grow abnormally in the throat. The disease is sometimes called head and neck cancer and can affect any part of the throat, including the area behind the nose and mouth, the esophagus and the windpipe.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Understand the causes of throat cancer are unknown, but studies show that factors such as alcohol and tobacco consumption, family history and a diet lacking in beneficial fruits and vegetables can all increase a person's cancer risk.

2. Eat a healthy diet. Throat cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy require the body to be as healthy as possible. Although these treatments target cancer cells, they can damage healthy cells as well. Live well by incorporating extra servings of whole grains and raw fruits and vegetables into your diet.

3. Ask your oncologist or physician if you should be referred to an otolayrngologist, or head and neck surgery specialist. An otolayrngologist could be especially helpful if tumors need to be removed during treatment.

4. Get a second opinion about your treatment. You can get a more complete view of your options and gain a sense of control over the process.

5. Ask a friend, family member or caregiver to run errands for you during and after treatment. Therapies like chemotherapy, radiation or surgery can leave you fatigued and nauseated.

6. Explore any follow-up tests your oncologist recommends. X-rays, ultrasound and other procedures may be required to rule out a recurrence.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that throat cancer can affect many parts of the head and neck, impairing your ability to talk, eat, breathe and hold your head up correctly. Ask your doctor for a referral to a medical specialist to treat your specific needs, such as a physical therapist who can help you strengthen weak head and neck muscles.
• Consider participating in a throat cancer clinical trial if other treatment methods have been unsuccessful. Check out the American Cancer Society's Clinical Trial page online (see "Resources" below).
• Living with throat cancer can make you feel overwhelmed or depressed. Join a cancer support group to talk about your fears with others who share your pain. Talking about your feelings with people who understand can help you feel more positive about living with cancer.
• Know that you have a right to all of the treatment options available. If you have had large tumors removed and have trouble with speaking or swallowing, ask your doctor about referral to speech or swallow therapy.

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