Screening and Prevention

Screening

Screening tests can be useful for detecting certain types of cancer at an early stage. However, no screening tests can find laryngeal or hypopharyngeal cancer early. The best way to make sure that your cancer is treated at the earliest possible stage, when it is most curable, is to ask your doctor as soon as you notice potential signs or symptoms of the disease.

Prevention

Most cases of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers can be prevented by avoiding the factors that are known to increase the risk of these diseases, especially tobacco and alcohol.

• Alcohol - If you drink alcohol (especially beer and hard liquor), limit the number of drinks you have.
• Diet - The American Cancer Society recommends that everyone eat a variety of healthy food, especially food that come from plants. You should eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, as well as whole-grain food. Eating food that is rich in vitamin A (found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and other colored vegetables) and vitamin E (found in certain nuts, seeds, and vegetables) might also help prevent laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers.
• Tobacco - If you smoke cigarettes, cigars, or pipes or use smokeless tobacco, quit. This is the most effective way to prevent laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers. Even if you have smoked for years, quitting can reduce your risk of getting these diseases.
• Ventilation at work - If you work with chemicals that increase the risk of laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers, your workplace needs plenty of ventilation.
  

This content has been reviewed and approved by Myo Thant, MD.