April is Esophageal, Oral, Head & Neck, and Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.

Esophageal cancer is the tube that connects the throat and the stomach. Cancer there starts in the inner layers and moves outward. There are two main kinds- squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinomas which happens mainly in the lower esophagus. There are certain risk factors for esophageal cancer and can be linked to tobacco, alcohol, diet or excess body weight.

Oral, Head & Neck cancers commonly refer to those that appear in the lips, mouth, nasal cavity, salivary glands, sinuses, throat, thyroid, tongue and voice box. These account for 6% of all cancers in the United States according to the American Cancer Society. HPV (human papillomavirus) looks to be a cause of rising oral cancer rates in young people. Tobacco and alcohol are the leading causes of mouth and voice box cancers. Using both of them at the same time leads to a much greater than using each individually. Symptoms of oral cancer can include mouth sores that don’t heal, sore throat, red or white lumps or patches in your mouth, trouble swallowing, voice changes or a lump in your neck. People with constant nose bleeds, or numbness, swelling or pain around their cheeks and noses should be evaluated.

Testicular cancer develops in one or both testicles primarily in younger men, but can happen in older men.

Please note that this is general awareness information and not a substitute for actual, personal advice from a medical professional.
You should visit your physician for an individual evaluation.