Head and neck cancer is the most common cancer type in India, according to research reports. A staggering 29% of global deaths due to head and neck cancer occur in the country. "Tobacco is the main cause of this type of cancer. The habit of chewing tobacco makes many people in India vulnerable to oral as well as head and neck cancer," said Dr Radheshyam Naik, head of Oncology, Bangalore Institute of Oncology.

He was addressing mediapersons on the occasion of head and neck cancer awareness week observed between May 8 and 15.

"Head and neck cancer is common among people in 40s and 50s, and it is observed that women from rural areas are the most vulnerable. This type is commonly seen in people from lower economic strata," said Dr Naik.

Active anti-tobacco programmes were the only way out, said Dr Naik. "This type of cancer is the most preventable one. Educating people about the ill effects of tobacco will bring down the number of head and neck cancer incidences," said Dr Naik.

He said that despite improvements in diagnosis and improved treatment methods, the survival rate had not increased in the past two decades. "Over that past two decades there has been consistent development in cancer treatment. However, the survival rates did not show any improvement till recently.A third addition to the already used 2-drug chemotherapy has shown good results. It appears that patients live longer with the 3-drug regimen. It has also bettered their quality of life," he said.

"Diagnosis at the pre-cancerous stage is possible by examining the mouth. Early diagnosis can boost the chances of total cure," he said.