First-degree family history of cancer can be a potential risk factor among head and neck cancer patients in an isolated Mizo tribal population, northeast India

Abstract Objectives Oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the 10th most common cancer in the United States (8th in males, 13th in females), with an estimated 54,010 new cases expected in 2021, and is primarily associated with smoked tobacco, heavy alcohol consumption, areca nut use and persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV). Family history of cancer (FHC) and family history of head and neck cancer (FHHNC) have been reported to play an important role in the development of OSCC. We aimed to investigate the role of FHC, FHHNC and personal history of cancer in first/second degree-relatives as co-risk factors for oral cancer. Methods This was a retrospective study of patients diagnosed with OSCC at the Division of Oral Medicine and Dentistry at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and at the Division of Head and Neck Oncology at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. Conditional logistic regressions were performed to examine whether OSCC was associated with FHC and FHHNC of FDRs and SDRs, personal history of cancer and secondary risk factors. Results Overall, we did not find an association between FHC, FHHNC and OSCC risk, whereas patients with a cancer history in one of their siblings were 1.6-times more likely to present with an OSCC. When secondary risk factors were considered, patients with a history of oral leukoplakia and dysplasia had a 16-times higher risk of having an OSCC. Conclusions Our study confirmed that a previous history of oral leukoplakia or dysplasia was an independent risk factor for OSCC. A positive family history of cancer in one or more siblings may be an additional risk factor for OSCC.

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Family history of cancer is a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck in Brazil: A case‐control study

International Journal of Cancer ◽

10.1002/ijc.2910630603 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 63 (6) ◽

pp. 769-773 ◽

Cited By ~ 68

Author(s):

William D. Foulkes ◽

Jean‐Sebastien Brunet ◽

Luis P. Kowalski ◽

Steven A. Narod ◽

Eduardo L. Franco

Keyword(s):

Squamous Cell Carcinoma ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Family History ◽

Cell Carcinoma ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Case Control Study ◽

Case Control ◽

History Of ◽

Control Study ◽

History Of Cancer

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Patient Awareness of Head and Neck Cancer Risk Factors: Assessment of the General Otolaryngology Population

Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology ◽

10.31579/2692-9562/021 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 3 (3) ◽

pp. 01-05

Author(s):

Garrett Ni ◽

Carolyn DeBiase ◽

Neil Gildener-Leapman ◽

Lisa Galati

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

Risk Factor ◽

Head And Neck Cancer ◽

Cancer Risk ◽

Head And Neck ◽

Cancer Patients ◽

Neck Cancer ◽

Chewing Tobacco ◽

Cancer Risk Factors ◽

History Of

Objective: The general public’s knowledge of the risk factors for head and neck cancer is insufficient. The level of awareness of such risk factors amongst the otolaryngology clinic patient population has not yet been elucidated in the literature. Method: This individual cohort study took place at a tertiary academic center. A survey was designed and administered to all patients who presented to otolaryngology clinic from 2017 to 2018 to assess knowledge of head and neck cancer risk factors. The main outcome measures were percentage of correct responses for each cancer risk factor and comparison of percent correct between cancer and non-cancer patients. Results: A total of 510 patients were enrolled in the study including 69 patients (13.5%) with a history of head and neck cancer. The most well recognized risk factors by all patients were cigarettes (83.7%) and chewing tobacco (77.5%). Twenty-nine percent of patients correctly identified alcohol as a risk factor. Additional risk factors were poorly recognized. Cancer patients had a similar or better correct response rate than non-cancer patients except for chewing tobacco (68.1% vs 78.9% respectively). Conclusion: The general otolaryngology clinic population, especially patients with a history of head and neck cancer, demonstrated improved knowledge of some risk factors for head and neck cancer, but insufficient awareness of alcohol and HPV transmissible behaviors.

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