The symptoms of ENT cancers are not yet well known.
- The IUCT-Oncopole of Toulouse is launching a new communication campaign on ENT cancers.
- 4th cause of cancer in France, ENT cancers often have a poor prognosis due to too late diagnosis.
- The symptoms are rarely worrying and generally ignored because they are trivialized.
On the occasion of “ENT cancer week” which takes place from September 18 to 23, the IUCT-Oncopole of Toulouse launches a new communications campaign.
“This campaign raises awareness among the general public about ENT cancers. One of our main missions is to develop knowledge around head and neck cancers, and this involves identifying the symptoms. Knowing how to recognize them is give the best chance of being taken care of in time and recovering from it”, underlines Sabrina Le Bars, co-founder of the Corasso patients association.
ENT cancers: which organs are affected?
ENT (otolaryngological) cancers, also called upper aerodigestive tract cancers (AVDS), include cancers of the mouth (lips, gums, jaw, palate, tongue), pharynx (tonsils and throat), larynx. (vocal cords), salivary glands, nose, sinuses and neck lymph nodes.
Men are much more affected than women (70% versus 30%), even if the gap is tending to narrow.
VADS cancers most often occur between the ages of 50 and 64, the primary risk factors being chronic tobacco and alcohol consumption.
ENT cancers: early treatment maximizes the chances of cure
For Professor Sébastien Vergez, head of the surgery department at IUCT-Oncopole: “although the first signs may seem trivial, we emphasize the need for patients to be attentive to them and to report them to a healthcare professional. Entering the appropriate care pathway as soon as possible is greatly maximize the chances of recovery and limit long-term after-effects. Dr Anouchka Modesto, co-head of the IUCT-Oncopole ENT committee, adds: “with early treatment, we observe better chances of recovery for patients. Beyond the general public, it is also essential for health professionals to know how to identify the first signs to sound the alarm and direct the patient towards a personalized and adapted care pathway”.
What are the symptoms of ENT cancer?
To know when to react, you must apply the “rule of 1 for 3″. If a person has had any of the following symptoms for three weeks, they should consult a healthcare professional:
– Tongue pain, mouth ulcers that do not heal and/or red or white spots in the mouth.
– Pain in the throat.
– Persistent hoarseness.
– Painful and/or difficult swallowing.
– Lump in the neck.
– Blocked nose on one side and/or discharge of blood from the nose.
