How to Prevent Throat Cancer

Throat cancer prevention requires following lifestyle and behavioral guidelines in order to decrease the risk of disease. Although the cause of throat cancer is unknown, research and studies have shown that throat cancer may be prevented with a healthy lifestyle and knowledge about the disease.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Learn about your throat cancer risk factors. Smokers, heavy drinkers, people who have family members with throat cancer and people with weak immune systems may carry a higher risk for throat cancer. Talk to your family and your doctor to find out if you could be at risk.
2. Avoid tobacco smoke. Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke increase the risk of developing throat cancer.
3. Limit your alcohol intake. Drinking more than one alcoholic beverage a day could significantly increase your risk of throat cancer. Excessive drinking should be avoided.
4. Increase the amount of vitamin A in your diet. A deficiency of vitamin A may be linked to increased throat cancer risk. Eat foods rich in vitamin A (such as liver) or take a vitamin A supplement.
5. Eat at least 5 servings of nutrient-rich whole grains, fruits and vegetables every day. A poor diet increases the risk for throat cancer.
   
6. Get regular cancer screenings. A healthy lifestyle alone cannot prevent development of throat cancer. Other factors, like heredity and viruses, are also linked to the disease. Screenings will ensure you are healthy and catch cancer in its early stages.
7. Follow up with your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms: sore throat, persistent cough, difficulty swallowing or pain.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your dentist or doctor about new throat cancer prevention research and methods.
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year to ensure proper oral hygiene. Frequent dentists visits mean a greater chance for early detection of throat cancer.
• If you are at risk for throat cancer, you may feel scared about the prospect of living life with the disease. Visit Cancercare.org for education and counseling online or over the telephone (see "Resources" below).
• You have the right to information about the treatment and screening processes your doctor provides. Ask your health care professional about your options. If you don't understand something, you are entitled to assistance.