OncoCare in the News
Though not among the most common cancers, throat cancer has gained attention in recent years following high-profile diagnoses in celebrities like Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas. Throat cancer refers to cancers that develop in the pharynx, larynx or tonsils. A closely related condition, nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), arises in the upper part of the throat, behind the nose. If not treated early, these cancers can interfere with speaking, swallowing and breathing and significantly impair quality of life.
Throat cancer affects both men and women, but men – especially over 40 – are at higher risk. Ethnicity plays a role too. Nasopharyngeal cancer is more common in Asian populations, particularly among southern Chinese communities. It is far less common in Caucasians. Meanwhile, oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancers, more strongly linked to smoking and alcohol, occur across all ethnicities.
Smoking remains the number one risk factor for most throat cancers. Long-term tobacco use, including secondhand smoke, increases your chances of developing cancer in the larynx and surrounding areas. Heavy alcohol consumption further raises this risk.
Another culprit is HPV, a sexually transmitted infection now linked to a rising number of throat cancers globally, including in Singapore. These cancers often affect the tonsils or base of the tongue in younger adults who do not smoke or drink. Infection with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is also a known risk factor for NPC.
Some studies suggest that diets high in salted or fermented vegetables, common in some Asian cuisines, may play a role too. These foods may contain nitrosamines, compounds linked to cancer development.
