How to Prevent It?
As mentioned above, the exact cause of mutations in cells is unknown, so there is no proven way to prevent it. But there are some things that can be done to reduce the risk of developing throat cancer:
- Stop smoking. If you find it difficult to quit on your own, discuss the benefits, risks and different strategies with your doctor. Ways to quit may include medication or nicotine replacement products. There are plenty of options to fit any situation.
- Moderate alcohol intake. If you choose to drink, drink moderately. For a healthy person, that means 1-2 drinks for men and not more than 1 drink for women. [8]
- A healthy diet. The vitamins and antioxidants contained in fruits and vegetables reduce the risk of throat cancer. Be sure to eat a variety of them. Eating healthy is delicious and good for the body.
- HPV vaccination. Some types of throat cancer can be caused by the sexually transmitted HPV (human papillomavirus). You can reduce the risk of HPV by limiting the number of sexual partners and using a condom. You can also get protected by getting the HPV vaccine. It is recommended to get it around the age of 11-12. [7, 9]
Conclusion.
Throat cancer is a serious disease with poor survival prognosis because it is difficult to be diagnosed at an early stage. But if you pay due attention to your health, and try to lead a healthy lifestyle, you are more likely to avoid it or get timely and successful treatment. Be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention if you think your symptoms might indicate throat cancer.