Signs and Symptoms

Head and Neck cancer can manifest through various signs and symptoms. Some of the leading signs include:

A persistent sore throat (or other type of pain in throat or mouth area)

A neck lump or swelling

Lump or ulcer on the lip or in the mouth that doesn't heal

Changes in voice or hoarseness

Painful swallowing or difficulty swallowing

Earache or ear pain

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A persistent sore throat (or other type of pain in throat or mouth area)
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A neck lump or swelling
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Lump or ulcer on the lip or in the mouth that doesn't heal
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Changes in voice or hoarseness
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Painful swallowing or difficulty swallowing
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Earache or ear pain

If you experience any of these symptoms for 3+ weeks, please consult a GP or Dentist promptly.

How to check yourself at home

Regular self-checks play a vital role in the early detection of Head and Neck cancer.

By familiarising yourself with your body and paying attention to any changes, such as lumps, sores, or persistent symptoms like a sore throat or difficulty swallowing, you can identify potential signs of cancer at an early stage.

Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and can save lives.

Make self-checks a routine part of your healthcare regimen to stay proactive about your health and well-being.

Regular check ups with a dentist is also helpful as they should perform a cancer symptom check as part of your oral health review.

Every day 34 people are diagnosed with Head and Neck cancers in the UK.

Numbers are increasing at 30% per decade.

4th most common cancer in men and 7th most common overall.

Only 13% of Head and Neck cancers diagnosed early, resulting in poor survival and outcomes.

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Let's work together to raise awareness of how to prevent these cancers and improve earlier diagnosis of disease. Join Oracle Head and Neck Cancer UK's #HeadNeckCheck campaign.

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Prevention is key

Prevention is key in the fight against Head and Neck cancer. Here are some proactive steps you can take to minimize your risk:

Getting the HPV Vaccine

Quitting tobacco use (including smoking, use of paan and betel leaf, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes)

Limiting alcohol use

Monitoring and taking care of your oral health

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Head & Neck Cancer

Patients and Carers

Get in touch

Call 0203 475 3471

Email info@oraclehnc.org.uk

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Oracle Head & Neck Cancer UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1142037), and in Scotland (SC052790).

Registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (7125497). Registered address: 80 Coombe Road, New Malden KT3 4QS.