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Getting checked for head and neck cancer

Getting checked - what's involved?

It’s always best to get checked as early as possible. Your doctor will listen carefully to what you’ve noticed and ask some questions about your symptoms. Depending on what you tell them they may be able to reassure you straight away or they may want to do some more checks. They might:

  • Examine the area you are concerned about.
  • Ask for more information on when your symptoms started and whether anything makes them better or worse.
  • Refer you to the hospital for further tests or to see a specialist.

At your routine dental appointment your dentist will also check your mouth for potential signs of oral cancer.

FACTS

  • Head and neck cancers are the fifth most common cancer in Scotland.
  • The five year survival rate for people diagnosed with head and neck cancers is over 58%.
  • There are around 1,200 new cases of head and neck cancers diagnosed every year in Scotland.
  • Incidence rates of head and neck cancers have increased by 3.2% in the last ten years.