Singing does not cause throat cancer, but men above 65 more likely to get it

Many throat cancers can be completely cured, thanks to advances in medical technology. — TNS

My aunt was a nightclub singer in her day. Over the years, she suddenly developed throat cancer. I have heard that sometimes, being a professional singer can lead to throat cancer. Is this true?

Currently, according to professionals, there is no extra risk of getting throat cancer if you sing often compared to the normal population. There are indeed injuries caused by frequent voice use, including the development of vocal cord nodules.

However, they are not pre-cancerous.

You do hear of some singers getting throat cancer, such as Eddie Van Halen and George Harrison. People immediately associate it with singing, because these are very famous singers.

However, there are other risk factors.

There are also many people who do not sing frequently who get throat cancer.

What causes throat cancer?

Throat cancer happens when the cells that line your throat become mutated.

These mutations then start to grow in an uncontrolled manner and form a tumour.

Some risk factors include:

• Smoking and chewing tobacco: This is the most important risk factor for all head and neck cancers, including throat cancer. All smoking is a risk, including normal cigarettes, cigars, pipes, vaping, etc.
• Excessive alcohol use: This is delineated as more than one drink a day. If you jointly smoke and drink, you have the highest risk of all.
• Viral infections: These include human papillomavirus (HPV) and Epstein-Barr virus.
• A diet lacking in fruits and vegetables: Heavy drinkers and smokers also tend to forget to eat well and lack essential nutrients.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Remember to get this diagnosed and cured! Avoid foods and behaviour that can lead to this.
• Exposure to toxic substances at work: Long and intense exposure to wood dust, paint fumes and certain chemicals used in the metalworking, petroleum, construction and textile industries can increase the risk.
• Being overweight.
• Being male: You are five times more likely to get throat cancer compared to women. That is also probably because more men smoke and drink compared to women.
• Being 65 years old and older.

How will I know if I have throat cancer?

Being overweight is one of the risk factors of getting cancer. — 123rf.com

There are many types of throat cancer. So the symptoms you may get depends on the site of the throat cancer.

You need to look out for:

• Cough
• Changes in your voice, like hoarseness or if you cannot speak clearly
• Difficulty in swallowing food or drinks
• Ear pain
• A lump or sore that doesn’t heal
• Sore throat
• Weight loss.

More importantly, if these symptoms persist for longer than you think is normal for a throat infection, you should consult a ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.

Are there different types of throat cancer?

Throat cancer is divided into which part of the throat the cancer originates from.

There are:

• Nasopharyngeal cancer: This originates from your nasopharynx, which is the part of your throat just behind your nose. (Naso = nose and pharynx = throat)
• Oropharyngeal cancer: This one is at your oropharynx, which is the part of your throat right behind your mouth. This whole area includes your tonsils as well. (Oro = mouth)
• Laryngopharyngeal cancer: This one begins in your laryngopharynx, which is the lower part of your throat just above your oesophagus and windpipe (trachea).
• Glottic cancer: begins in your vocal cords.
• Supraglottic cancer: Affects the upper portion of your voice box. This group also comprises cancer of the epiglottis, the piece of cartilage that blocks food from going into your trachea.
• Subglottic cancer: This one originates in the area below your vocal cords.

Is there any cure for throat cancer?

Surgery is the first option.

There are many minimally invasive robotic surgeries around the world today, including laser voice box surgery.

There are also radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Throat cancer surgery and radiation has advanced a lot over the past few years.

Many throat cancers are completely curable.

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Dr YLM graduated as a medical doctor, and has been writing for many years on various subjects such as medicine, health, computers and entertainment. For further information, email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Neither The Star nor the author gives any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to such information. The Star and the author disclaim all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.