Head and neck cancers are also described based on the type of cell (histology) the cancer started in.  The most common type of head and neck cancer is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).  About 9 out of 10 head and neck cancers (90%) start on squamous cells.  Squamous cells line the mouth, nose and throat.

A small amount of head and neck cancers develop in other types of cells.  These include sarcoma, lymphomas and adenocarcinomas.

Risk factors that increase your risk of head and neck cancer

REDUCE YOUR RISK OF GETTING HEAD AND NECK CANCER:

• Have regular dental checks
• Get help to stop smoking
• Limit the amount of alcohol you drink
• Reduce HPV by practicing safer sex and limiting your number of sexual partners
• Eat healthy

EARLY DETECTION IS KEY AND CAN SAVE LIVES

The key message is ‘IF IN DOUBT, GET CHECKED OUT’