In a recent study completed by the University of Pittsburgh, researchers discovered that screening for head and neck cancer, in addition to lung cancer for eligible candidates, could improve early detection and survival rates.
The study analyzed records of more than 3,500 people enrolled in a lung screening program to determine if these participants had a higher chance of developing head and neck cancer. The results showed that an incidence rate of 71.4 per 100,000 people were expected to develop head and neck cancer annually from this group, compared to the rate of fewer than 43 per 100,000 people in the general U.S. population.
“Head and neck cancer is relatively rare, and screening the general population would be impractical,” said co-author David O. Wilson, M.D., M.P.H., associate director of UPMC’s Lung Cancer Center. “However, the patients at risk for lung cancer whom we would refer for the newly recommended annual screening are the same patients that our study shows also likely would benefit from regular head and neck cancer screenings. If such screening reduces mortality in these at-risk patients, that would be a convenient way to increase early detection and save lives.”
To read more about the study, visit Medical News Today. And if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a type of head and neck cancer or lung cancer, contact us to learn about CyberKnife® treatment.
This is not intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of your health care team. It is intended to help you and your family make informed decisions, together with your doctor.