Mysuru: Early diagnosis can significantly reduce deaths from head and neck cancers, experts said at a Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month programme at JSS Hospital.Inaugurating the programme, Dr Vinaykumar Muttagi, senior radiation oncologist at Bharat Hospital and Institute of Oncology (BHIO), said awareness and early detection are the most effective life-saving strategies. He identified smoking and chewing tobacco as the primary causes and said these cancers are highly curable when detected early. He urged people to avoid tobacco and alcohol and to seek immediate medical attention for unusual symptoms.Dr CP Madhu, director of JSS Hospital, said the third week of April is observed annually as Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week. This year’s theme is ‘Early Detection and Prevention Saves Lives’. He said advances in medical science have improved treatment outcomes, enabling patients to recover and lead normal lives with comprehensive care.Dr Kiran PK, professor, medical oncology, JSS Hospital, said the campaign focuses on early warning signs and cautioned against ignoring persistent mouth ulcers, throat pain, voice changes and hoarseness, noting that early consultation improves outcomes.Dr Bharathi MB, senior physician, ENT department, JSS Hospital, warned against gutka, tobacco, betel leaves and beedis. She listed difficulty swallowing, persistent throat pain, and painless lumps or swelling in the neck or face as warning signs requiring prompt medical evaluation.Dr D Narayanappa and department heads Dr Ravi Krishnappa, Dr Sandeep S., Dr Manjula BP, Dr Sumit and Dr Amrutha attended.
