News & Information

You may think of head and neck cancer (cancer that attacks the mucosal linings of the nose, mouth or throat) as exclusively a smoker’s disease, but that’s actually not the case. It’s true that 85% of head and neck cancers are related to tobacco usage – alcohol usage and second-hand smoke also contribute to the risk – but there are a number of other factors that may also increase your chances of head and neck cancer.

If you fit any of the criteria below, you could be at risk for head and neck cancer – and a cancer insurance policy can help protect your financial future. The supplemental insurance policies offered on CancerPlans.com provide a lump sum benefit upon first diagnosis of a covered cancer, allowing you to pay for whatever medical or living expenses are most important.

Do any of these characteristics sound like you?

UV ray exposure. Prolonged exposure to sunshine – or to artificial tanning facilities – is linked to lip-area cancer, as well as to malignant melanoma.

HPV and Epstein-Barr viruses. These infections (human papillomavirus and mononucleosis) are related to a variety of head and neck cancers. Epstein-Barr (EB) virus is one of the most common causes of nasopharyngeal cancer.

Age, race and gender. Black men over 40 are at the highest risk of developing head and neck cancer. Overall, men are diagnosed with head and neck cancer two to three times as often as women are.

Poor hygiene and nutrition. Badly-maintained teeth may increase risk of mouth cancer, while a diet low in vitamins A and B may also contribute to a variety of head and neck cancers.

Environmental factors. These may include exposure to paint fumes, wood dust, asbestos and a variety of chemicals.

(1) http://www.cancer.net/patient/Cancer+Types/Head+and+Neck+Cancer?sectionTitle=Risk%20Factors%20and%20Prevention

(2) http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Sites-Types/head-and-neck