What are the Risk Factors for Laryngeal Cancer?

Who Is at Risk for Laryngeal Cancer? A Complete Guide

Laryngeal cancer starts in the voice box or larynx. It can affect a person's breathing, speech and swallowing. Like many other cancers, it forms when the abnormal cells keep growing uncontrollably. By knowing the risk factors from early on, one can get help with detection and prevention.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Laryngeal Cancer?

The symptoms of laryngeal cancer include:

• Hoarseness or voice changes that last for weeks.
• Trouble breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• A persistent sore throat or cough that lasts for weeks.
• Lump in your neck or throat.
• Pain in the ear.
• Trouble breathing (dyspnea).
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis).
• Swollen lymph nodes 
• If you experience any of the above symptoms, talk to your health professional immediately.

Risk Factors of Laryngeal Cancer

Here is an overview of a list of risk factors that contribute towards laryngeal cancer:

Tobacco Usage

Smoking is one of the leading causes of Laryngeal cancer. Having cigars, cigarettes and pipes all lead to risk. The more a person smokes, the greater the danger becomes. Tobacco also contains many harmful substances and chemicals that damage the lining of the throat. Passive smoking equally increases the risk.

Alcohol Consumption

Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol over time also damages the larynx. It irritates the tissues and leads to long-term changes in the cells. It leads to cancer. Having a combination of smoking and drinking makes the risk much higher. These two habits work together to increase the harm.

Age and Gender

Laryngeal cancer primarily affects people who are older than 55. As a person ages, the risk also increases. It is due to longer exposure to harmful substances over time. Additionally, men are more than likely to develop laryngeal cancer as compared to women. It directly correlates to the higher rate of smoking and alcohol usage.

Diet and Nutrition

A poor diet and nutrition are also contributing factors to laryngeal cancer. Having a diet that lacks fresh fruits and vegetables increases the risk. These foods have antioxidants and nutrients that protect the cells from any damage.

Furthermore, following a diet that has excessive amounts of processed meats and high preservatives also increases cancer risk.

Exposure to Harmful Substances

People who are exposed to asbestos at work are at a higher risk. This is because asbestos fibres can be inhaled. They can cause damage to the respiratory tract. Furthermore, exposure to paint fumes, wood dust, and industrial chemicals also increases the risk of Laryngeal Cancer.

Family History and Genetics

People have a higher risk of getting laryngeal cancer if they have a close relative with neck or head cancer. It is because inherited gene changes make some people more vulnerable.

Weakened Immune System

People who have a weakened immune system are at greater risk of getting laryngeal cancer. It includes people with HIV or people who take immunosuppressive medications. Their body may struggle to fight off abnormal cell growth.

HPV or Human Papillomavirus

HPV is a virus which infects the mouth and the throat. Some strains are linked to laryngeal cancer. The virus spreads through sexual contact, including oral sex. HPV-related laryngeal cancers are on the increase at the current time, especially in younger people.

Many risk factors of laryngeal cancer relate to lifestyle. The ones which top the list are drinking, smoking and poor diet. Knowing about these risks can help make healthier choices and seek medical advice early on. Early diagnosis and prevention can save lives.

What can I do to prevent Laryngeal Cancer?

To prevent laryngeal cancer, you need to follow some healthy lifestyle. Let’s discuss them:

•  Quit smoking and avoid tobacco products.
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Follow a healthy diet
• Get regular health check-ups
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid occupational exposure

Also Read:

→ Risk Factors for Liver Cancer

→ Risk Factors for Oesophageal Cancer

→ Risk Factors for Ovarian Cancer

→ Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease

→ Risk Factors for Rheumatic Fever