Oncologist shares surprising causes of head and neck cancer in non-smokers: 'It's not just tobacco anymore'
"Head and neck cancers have had a long history of association with alcohol and tobacco consumption. However, over the past few years, there has been a distinct trend in the patient population being diagnosed. More and more patients with no smoking history are now presenting with these cancers. This trend indicates that evolving factors beyond conventional causes are at play," says Dr Prashant Pawar, consultant – head and neck surgical oncology, HCG ICS Khubchandani Cancer Centre Cooperage, Colaba.
Dr Prashant further shared with HT Lifestyle the surprising causes behind this shift and what you need to watch out for.
Development of HPV related cancers
The human papillomavirus: It is claimed that HPV-16 is associated with oral cancers, oropharynx cancer, which is located at the base of the tongue and the tonsils, and is very common among young non-smokers. The patients affected with HPV-positive head and neck cancer are younger, healthier, have urban backgrounds, and have better access to and awareness of health care. Their therapy response and disease pathophysiology differ from the tobacco-induced ones.
Emerging risks for head and neck cancer include air pollution and HPV, impacting non-smokers more frequently. (Freepik)
Environmental and occupational exposure
The newer risks are long-term exposure to air pollution, industrial chemicals, and contaminated oral health, which are seen especially in the urban and semi-urban areas. An increased risk can also come with poor diet, chronic acid reflux (GERD), and a weakened immune system, even in non-smokers.
Slow time of diagnosis in non-ex-smoking patients
Since head and neck cancer is more related to the smoking rate, non-smoking patients will ignore the initial symptoms, which may include frequent sore throat, hoarseness of voice, or a lump in the neck area, thus delaying the time of diagnosis.
Importance of awareness and immunisation
HPV immunisation for teenagers (male and female) is key in reducing the probability of getting head and neck cancers in the future.
Personalised treatment approaches
Cancers that are HPV positive are easier to treat and have a more favourable prognosis. Still, proper diagnosis and staging remain relevant to the best outcomes.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
2 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Is stress the only cause of alopecia? Dermatologist debunks 4 common myths about hair loss
Male and female pattern baldness is a common concern for many. Also known as alopecia, this type of hair loss can occur at any age and may be influenced by genetic factors, hormonal changes, lifestyle habits, or underlying health conditions. While in some cases it can be reversed, it often serves as an important indicator of overall health. Also read | Blaming stress for hair loss? Dermat says it can be alopecia: Know types, risk factors Alopecia indicates underlying health conditions, genetic predispositions and hormonal fluctuations and lifestyle factors.(Unsplash) In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Hosalli Karjol, consultant and chief dermatologist, Vrudhii, Skin Center and Surgery Clinic, Hesargatta Road, Bengaluru said, 'While medical research has identified multiple causes and effective treatments for hair loss, several myths and misconceptions continue to circulate. These false beliefs not only create unnecessary anxiety but can also delay proper diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the truth behind these myths is crucial for timely and effective hair care.' Here are a few myths about alopecia that the dermatologist busted: Myth 1: Hair loss only affects men. Fact: While male pattern baldness is widely recognized, women are equally vulnerable to hair loss due to hormonal fluctuations, thyroid disorders, and nutritional deficiencies. Female hair loss may present as diffuse thinning rather than bald patches, making it less obvious but equally concerning. Myth 2: Shaving your head or cutting hair frequently makes it grow back thicker. Fact: Hair thickness and growth rate are determined by genetics and follicle health, not by cutting the hair shaft. Shaving may give an impression of thicker growth initially because new hair has a blunt edge, but it does not change the density or number of follicles. Also read | Male Pattern Baldness: Causes, warning signs and symptoms, treatment of Andro Genetic Alopecia Know these myths about alopecia.(Shutterstock) Myth 3: Stress is the sole cause of alopecia. Fact: While stress can trigger temporary shedding, particularly telogen effluvium, most types of alopecia are caused by a combination of genetics, hormonal imbalances, autoimmune responses, and nutritional deficiencies. Ignoring these factors may worsen hair loss over time. Myth 4: All hair loss is permanent and untreatable. Fact: Many forms of alopecia are reversible if diagnosed early. Medical treatments, nutritional therapy, topical solutions, and advanced options like PRP therapy or laser therapy can successfully stimulate regrowth in many patients. Also read | Sudden hair loss and hair thinning? Dermat shares 3 medical conditions that can trigger alopecia Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
17 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
What is fibremaxxing? Know all about this wellness trend that improves your hormonal health, metabolism
Fibremaxxing is one of the wellness trends making rounds on social media. It spotlights fibre, which is commonly associated with better digestion. But fibremaxxing looks at it through a much wider lens, positioning fibre as a tool for improving overall welbeing, from enhancing metabolism to mental wellness. Swap wheat flour for ragi flour to make rotis and parathas, and increase fibre intake.(PC: adobe stock) Asad Hussain, founder and CEO of Odds Fitness, shared with HT Lifestyle that fibremaxxing involves a complete biological optimisation, demonstrating the health benefits of fibre, which go beyond the mainstream understanding of fibre benefits, like better digestion and better bowel movements. ALSO READ: Make your fibre intake more diverse: 12 foods that aren't green vegetables Describing what is fibremaxxing, Asad elaborated, 'Fibremaxing is the practice of deliberately increasing your daily fibre intake not just for digestion, but for overall biological optimisation. It goes beyond counting grams of roughage. The diverse fibre sources, timing, pairing with pre- and probiotics, and using fibre as a performance tool for everything from mental clarity to metabolic health.' Protein has dominated the diets of fitness enthusiasts and continues to do so, with people closely tracking their intake every day. But fibremaxxing manages to challenge this monopoly, reminding that other nutrients, like fibre, also deserve the spotlight because of the robust benefits. 'For years, protein has held the nutritional spotlight. It's been glorified in everything from shakes to cereals, championed as the nutrient of fitness, strength, and satiety. Fibre is the unsung hero of longevity and internal balance. It fuels gut microbes, supports healthy cholesterol levels, slows glucose absorption, and feeds the ecosystem that keeps your body in check. In the bio-optimisation world, that makes fibre a game-changer," Asad unpacked how fibre is also gaining a more prominent importance in diets. Benefits of high-fibre diet: Improved hormonal balance, metabolism and immunity When you include a high-fibre diet, you build a strong immune system, reducing risk of falling sick. (PC: Freepik) A high-fibre diet benefits three major functions of the body that are integral to health. Asad listed the benefits, which include hormonal health, metabolism, and the immune system: 1. Balances hormones: Soluble fibre helps remove excess estrogen and improves insulin sensitivity. These are the two key factors in hormonal health, especially for women. 2. Boosts metabolism: Certain fermentable fibres support the growth of gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids (like butyrate.) This plays a role in energy regulation and fat metabolism. 3. Strengthens immunity: Since nearly 70% of immune cells are located in the gut lining, a fibre-rich diet that supports gut health may indirectly enhance immune resilience. How can fibremaxxing be done with Indian foods? Roasted chana contains fibre. (PC: Freepik) One of the misconceptions is that fibremaxxing requires premium, exotic foods. Asad debunked this notion and shared that Indian foods can also easily fit into a fibremaxxing lifestyle. Clarifying the misconception, Asad described, 'One of the biggest myths is that fibremaxxing requires exotic ingredients or imported powders. The truth is, Indian diets are beautifully equipped for this trend; we just need to bring intentionality back to the plate.' Here are some of the ways, as outlined by Asad, one can maximise fibre intake with Indian foods: Embrace millets like bajra, ragi, and jowar instead of always defaulting to rice or wheat. Rotate your dals, each lentil variety brings its own fibre profile. Don't just stick to moong. Add prebiotic power with raw salads made from beetroot, carrots, cucumber, and onions before your meals. Smart snacking with roasted chana, trail mixes with seeds, or fruit topped with flax and chia. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Hindustan Times
19 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
What is A2 milk? Know the difference from regular milk, and who it is suitable for
Milk comes in many different varieties, from vegan alternatives like almond or oat milk to full-fat, lactose-free. A2 is one such variety that stands out because of its unique protein profile. Let's take a closer look at A2 milk to understand what sets it apart, who it is best suited for and more. HT Lifestyle reached out to experts to understand the difference from regular milk, as well as its market growth. A2 milk is one of the alternative milk options available.(Shutterstock) ALSO READ: Almond milk is more than just a fad: Dietician explains bone health benefits and why it's better than dairy milk What is A2 milk? Suvarna Sawant, Chief Dietitian & HoD, Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai, told HT Lifestyle about its protein composition. He said, 'A2 milk contains only A2 beta-casein protein, unlike regular milk, which has both A1 and A2 variants. It is derived from specific cow breeds like Gir and Sahiwal.' Ravin Saluja, Director at Sterling Agro Industries Ltd, further added to the explanation about the milk's source, elaborating, 'Traditional cow's milk contains two types of B-casein proteins, A1 and A2. Most modern breeds, like Holsteins, produce a mixture of both. A2-only milk, however, is sourced from cows genetically bred to produce only the A2 variant.' Who can have A2 milk? People with digestive discomfort may prefer A2 milk.(Shutterstock) This milk, with a specific type of protein composition, offers digestive relief to some people. But Dietician Suvarna reminded that it is not lactose-free, meaning it is not for lactose-intolerant people, but for those who suffer from mild digestion discomfort from regular milk. The dietician added, 'Some individuals may find it easier to digest, but it is important to note that A2 milk is not lactose-free. Individuals with protein deficiency, who cannot digest the normal cow milk but are not lactose intolerant, are ideal candidates for A2 milk.' Ravin, based on market insights, also highlighted that consumers with digestive sensitivities, fitness enthusiasts, and health-conscious families increasingly prefer A2 milk for relatively better digestibility. He said, 'Those experiencing bloating or discomfort from regular milk may find A2 easier to digest. Likewise, A2's clean protein profile aids in muscle recovery without gut upset. And parents of toddlers or elders also seek natural, wholesome nutrition, and are snapping up A2 variants.' Growth in market Ravin shared that A2 milk's growth has seen a momentum, a growing preference among consumers, especially because of ease of digestion. He said, 'In India, market size surged to $416 million in 2024, with a projected CAGR of 19.7%, inspiring interest in premium dairy. A greater consumer shift toward wellness, digestion-friendly foods, and clean labels is a key market driver.' From regular milk, taste-wise, A2 milk isn't much different, as Ravin noted, 'Taste isn't compromised. A2 milk tastes very similar to conventional milk, as any subtle differences stem more from breed and feed than the protein type.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
