Book Serving as a Guide for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Introduced

Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week featured information on diagnosis and treatment methods for the disease. At this year's 7th edition of the meeting, organised with the contributions of the European Head and Neck Society (EHNS) and its Turkish representative "Head and Neck Cancer Society," a "Cookbook and Nutrition Guide for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment" was also introduced, developed in collaboration with head and neck cancer patients, physicians, nutrition specialists and speech therapists. Head and neck cancers, characterised by voice hoarseness lasting more than three weeks, mouth ulcers and neck swelling, are being brought to the agenda this year within the scope of "17-21 September Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week." The awareness week, organised for the 7th time by the European Head and Neck Society (EHNS), took place in Turkey under the leadership of the Head and Neck Cancer Society and with the support of Merck. Prof. Dr. Şefik Hoşal, General Secretary of Turkey's Head and Neck Cancer Society and the European Head and Neck Society (EHNS) and Otolaryngology Specialist, Prof. Dr. Özlem Er, Faculty Member of the Department of Internal Medicine at Acıbadem University and Chair of Medical Oncology, and Prof. Dr. Ömer Uzel, Specialist in Radiation Oncology at Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty Hospital, shared information on the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Health and Nutrition Specialist Taylan Kümeli provided recommendations on proper nutrition methods in the disease.

Mouth ulcers, voice hoarseness and neck swelling should not be overlooked

Prof. Dr. Şefik Hoşal began his remarks by providing information about the European Head and Neck Society (EHNS) and Turkey's Head and Neck Cancer Society. Stating that tobacco, alcohol and HPV virus are among the leading risk factors in head and neck cancers, Otolaryngology Specialist Prof. Dr. Şefik Hoşal said that voice hoarseness lasting more than 3 weeks, mouth ulcers and neck swelling should not be neglected. Emphasising the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in the disease, Prof. Dr. Hoşal said: "Different specialties such as Otolaryngology, Radiation Oncology, Medical Oncology, Radiology, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Pathology, Swallowing and Speech Therapy need to work together."

2 to 4 Times More Common in Men Than Women

Prof. Dr. Özlem Er, Chair of Medical Oncology at Acıbadem University, discussing treatment methods and the importance of early diagnosis, said: "Although head and neck cancers are not very common, they are tumours that produce dangerous results if not diagnosed early. Ranking 6th among cancer-related causes of death, head and neck cancers are approximately 2 to 4 times more common in men than women. Globally, approximately 700,000 people develop head and neck cancer annually, and within 5 years approximately half of this figure results in death. While treatment success reaches 80% in early stages, this rate drops to 40% in advanced stages – a reduction by half" – emphasising the importance of acting at an early stage.

Good nutrition and diet are vital in treatment

This year's theme for Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week was set by the European Head and Neck Society (EHNS) as "Survivorship." Important factors affecting cancer survivors' quality of life and healthy living were highlighted. In this context, Health and Nutrition Specialist Taylan Kümeli, drawing attention to nutritional difficulties that head and neck cancer survivors may experience, emphasised that while good nutrition is important after all major surgeries or treatments, it is particularly vital for head and neck cancer patients. Noting that head and neck cancer patients will not easily be able to return to normal eating after treatment due to chewing and swallowing difficulties, dry mouth, loss of taste and psychological factors, Kümeli provided important tips for improving patients' diets.

A Guide Cookbook

Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week campaigns have been conducted by the European Head and Neck Society (EHNS) for 7 years under the name "Make Sense." At the press conference, a "Cookbook and Nutrition Guide for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment" was also introduced, produced within the framework of this year's "Survivorship" theme of the campaign. The booklet, created with the aim of supporting patients during the treatment process, can be obtained by contacting the Turkey Head and Neck Cancer Society.