Head and neck cancer specialists are raising awareness of risks, symptoms and screening to catch cases at their most treatable stages. The head and neck cancer group includes several conditions that can affect the mouth, skin and more. “Head and neck cancers are tumors that can develop anywhere above the clavicles involving the skin, the lining of the throat, the nose, the mouth, the voice box and the upper esophagus as well as the thyroid gland and the salivary glands,” Matthew Old, MD, the director of the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at the OSUCCC – James. Click here to learn more about head and neck cancers, including risks, symptoms and treatment options at The Ohio State University. There are a number of factors that can raise the risk of developing a head and neck cancer — some that occur in patients naturally, such as skin and eye color and certain genetic disorders, and others that are behavioral or environmental. “Tobacco and alcohol use, as well as exposure to human papilloma virus (HPV)” are also potential causes, according to Old, as well as some dental conditions and overexposure to the sun. Experts recommend reducing or avoiding risk factors when possible, while scheduling doctor visits to examine possible symptoms of head and neck cancers, which can vary depending on the type, and can include pain, swelling and trouble swallowing. “Anybody who has symptoms — a neck lump, a sore throat — for more than two weeks should be screened by their dentist, their family doctor or an ear, nose and throat specialist or dermatologist,” Old says. For those who are diagnosed with head and neck cancers, experts like Old and his OSUCCC – James colleagues work every day to tailor specific treatment plans that utilize the latest therapies and surgical advances, while conducting clinical research that will lead to improved outcomes in the future. “We provide comprehensive clinical trials and all stages of head and neck cancer care and provide a personalized approach for each and every patient,” Old says. “So, that's why patients and providers would choose The James for their head and neck care. Click here to learn more about cancer clinical trials at the OSUCCC – James.