Head and neck cancer is the term given to a variety of malignant tumours that develop in :

·	Oral cavity (mouth);
·	Pharynx (throat);
·	Paranasal sinuses (small hollow spaces around the nose lined with cells that secrete mucus);
·	Nasal cavity (airway just behind the nose);
·	Larynx ("Adam's apple" or voice box); and
·	Salivary glands (parotid, submandibular, sublingual glands that secrete saliva)

Tobacco usage is responsible for 3 million deaths per year worldwide. Head and neck cancers that can result from tobacco use include tongue, pharyngeal, laryngeal and salivary gland cancers. These head and neck cancers are linked to prolonged exposure to tobacco, such as cigarette smoking. Strong evidence of the importance of type of exposure and site of cancer is also the high incidence of cancer of the hard palate in populations that practice reverse smoking, where the burning butt is in the mouth. Cancer of the lip is also associated with pipe smoking.

It is established that smoking is the single most preventable cause of morbidity and mortality. Knowing the reasons for stop smoking will motivate individuals to quit and reduce risk of relapse. Smokers and tobacco users can pick the method they are most comfortable with, and any method, with determination, can be effective. These methods are: 'cold turkey', gradually postponing, or gradually reducing techniques. Support and encouragement from family or friends will help them kick the habit. Smoking cessation services are available in Singapore with self-help materials, telephone advice (Quitline), intensive counselling sessions and medication in Smoking Cessation Program. The main medications used in smoking cessation clinics, includes oral medication and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).

General Coping Action
·	Make smoking inconvenient.
·	Switch to a brand that one may find distasteful
·	Smoke only under circumstances that are unpleasant to you.
·	Suck on sugar free candy or snack on fruits, vegetables. Change daily schedule to avoid triggers.
·	Save the cigarettes money as a reward after successful maintaining abstinence for a week or a month.

There are many other ways that help smokers cope and developing individual coping skills is the path toquit smoking.

For information on smoking cessation,please log on to:

SGH (Smoking and Addiction):
http://www.sghhealth4u.com.sg/health4u/respiratory/index.htm

Health Promotion Broad (Smoke free):
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/hpb2/Quit4Life/asp/index.asp

 

Dr See Hui Ti		Dr Anne Hsu
Associate Consultant		Senior Consultant
Medical Oncology		Medical Oncology