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This 27th of July will be commemorated the Day of Head and Neck Cancer (CCC), which aims to draw people's attention to recognize the causes and symptoms of this disease.
Every year, more than 550,000 cases of CCC are reported worldwide, according to specialist José Antonio Hakim. In addition, 60% of patients are diagnosed with their disease when this event is very advanced because they are not aware of the problem.
According to the doctor, there are two types of CCC, depending on the patient: by people who smoke or drink alcohol and those who have contracted the human papillomavirus (HPV). This disease can occur at any age, although the most common are young adults and those over 40 years old.
"There is currently a global outbreak of gastrointestinal tract carcinoma in young adults, caused primarily by HPV. "Fast-growing tumors" says ENT surgery specialist Dr. José Antonio Hakim
What are the symptoms of CCC?
CCC is a condition that affects the cells lining the tissues or organs of the head and neck region, compromising the nasal cavity, mouth, throat or salivary glands, the most common areas in which it develops are the oral cavity 44% the larynx in 23% and the pharynx with 33%.
Although their signals are not specific, they may include:
• Inflammation or injury that does not heal in the head or neck
• Sore throat or ear that does not go away not
• Pain or difficulty swallowing
• Hoarseness or changes of voice
• Inflammation of the neck
• Nose plugged on one side and / or nasal bleeding.
• Wounds that do not heal and / or white or red spots on the tongue or mouth.
Why is it important to diagnose it in time?
When patients with HPV develop a type of access to the CCC for timely treatment, have a cure rate of up to 80%, says Dr. Hakim; However, "it is very common that there is a late diagnosis, because people are not aware of their health or because the system impedes access to care," says the specialist
. Treatment in the local state achieve that 46% of patients have a general survival of about 5 years or more.
With regard to treatment, Dr. Hakim states that: "The success is to have a team of multidisciplinary specialists to evaluate each case because they are all different and depend on it. state and location of the disease, as well as the state of health of the patient.
Voices that do not extinguish cancer
34-year-old driver and Augusto, 58-year-old electrician, they both supported their families in their work and enjoyed going for a walk or do their daily chores, but they had to change what they wanted. therapies and treatments. Both are patients with cancer of the head and neck. One is buccopharyngeal and the other is the tongue.
In March 2015, when Manuel was diagnosed, he underwent 7 chemotherapy treatments. The procedure made her lose weight quickly, but she endured 34 other radiation treatments. With the last session of his treatment, he lost his hair and became weaker. Now he stays almost every day in bed.
Two years later, Augusto was announced something similar. In March 2017, he was diagnosed with cancer of the tongue and for three months he was able to eat only through a catheter. Currently, eating by mouth depends on the intensity of the pain that causes the disease.
Finding options that improve their quality of life is a tool to accompany therapy for patients and caregivers.
For example Each month they both take a cooking clbad with a family member. Together, they prepare with a chef, foods that contribute to the nutrition they need to stay healthy. "The goal is that they learn to eat well, with new dishes, and integrate them socially to share their experiences, and here they become friends," says Yamile Bohórquez, Program Manager.
For Manuel and Augusto, cooking motivates them to continue to live and build a healthier future. Clbades have no economic cost, but both patients agree on its symbolic value: do not let cancer extinguish one's voice.
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