Throat Cancer — What You Need To Know

DRAKHIL CHOPRA, Senior Medical Oncologist at OncoCare Cancer Centre, gives us the lowdown on this not-so-common cancer — including why early detection and awareness matter.

- 

Though not among the most common cancers, throat cancer has gained attention in recent years following high-profile diagnoses in celebrities like Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas. Throat cancer refers to cancers that develop in the pharynx, larynx or tonsils. A closely related condition, nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC), arises in the upper part of the throat, behind the nose. If not treated early, these cancers can interfere with speaking, swallowing and breathing and significantly impair quality of life.

Those at risk in Singapore

Throat cancer affects both men and women, but men – especially over 40 – are at higher risk. Ethnicity plays a role too. Nasopharyngeal cancer is more common in Asian populations, particularly among southern Chinese communities. It is far less common in Caucasians. Meanwhile, oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancers, more strongly linked to smoking and alcohol, occur across all ethnicities.

Risk factors: smoking, viruses and pickled veggies?