An estimated five thousand Australians will be diagnosed with head or neck cancer this year, prompting a push to raise a awareness of the signs and symptoms.
Cancer Council Australia is also encouraging teens to get the human papilloma virus vaccination, as human papilloma virus-related head and neck cancers reach near epidemic levels.
A recent US study warned the number of cancers related to HPV had increased by 17 per cent.
In Australia, it's estimated around 480 throat and mouth cancers each year are caused by HPV.
"HPV is what causes cervical cancer, but many Australians may not be aware that it can also cause head and neck cancers. This is another reason for teenage boys and girls to get vaccinated when they are offered it through our national immunisation program," said Professor Sanchia Aranda, Cancer Council Australia CEO.
Head and neck cancers includes cancers of the mouth, throat, nose, sinus, voice-box and neck, which together are expected to cause over 1,000 Australian deaths this year.
While less common, too many Australians are not aware of the symptoms or how to prevent the disease, says Prof Aranda.
It's particularly important, she says, that men get educated on the disease.
"Men are three times more likely than women to be diagnosed with head and neck cancer, and those over the age of 40 are at higher risk," Prof Aranda said.
Anyone with unusual symptoms in the head or neck is urged to get checked by a GP promptly.
"With a five year survival rate of 69 per cent, many patients with head or neck cancer are successfully treated - but early detection is vital," said Prof Aranda.
HEAD AND NECK CANCER - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Risk Factors
* Smoking is an extraordinarily high risk factor - causing 2,800 oral and throat cancers per year
* Alcohol consumption increases the risk - causing around 730 cases of oral and throat cancers each year.
* Alcohol and cigarette smoking increases the risk
Symptoms
* pain
* swelling
* hoarse voice
* difficulty swallowing
* bad breath
* persistent cough
* change in taste.
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