In last Saturday’s (April 5) Health Matters episode, podcast host Doc Tong Untalan focused his solo talk on oropharyngeal cancer, a type of head and neck cancer which affects the middle part of the throat (including the base of the tongue, the tonsils, the soft palate, and the walls of the pharynx).
While it might not get as much attention as lung or breast cancer, oropharyngeal cancer is a serious and growing health concern, both worldwide and here in the Philippines.
Globally, there has been a noticeable rise in oropharyngeal cancer cases, particularly in developed countries, largely due to increasing rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.
In contrast in the Philippines, the primary culprits remain long standing lifestyle habits: smoking, alcohol consumption, and the traditional practice of chewing betel nut or “moma.” Poor oral hygiene, which is often overlooked, is another contributing factor that allows infections and inflammation to persist in the throat, increasing a person’s cancer risk over time.
The human papillomavirus or HPV, a sexually transmitted virus, is a leading cause of oropharyngeal cancer in many parts of the world. Recent data suggest that more than half—about 52%—of oropharyngeal cancer cases globally are linked to HPV, particularly HPV type 16.
However, in the Philippines, this connection is not as pronounced yet, largely because tobacco and alcohol use remain more dominant risk factors. The habitual chewing of moma, which is still common in some Cordilleran communities, compounds the risk by continuously irritating the mouth and throat linings.
The early signs of oropharyngeal cancer are often mistaken for less serious conditions. These symptoms include a persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing, a lump in the neck, hoarseness, or unexplained weight loss.
Some people might also experience ear pain, mouth sores that don’t heal, or a change in voice. What’s tricky is that these signs can resemble a simple viral infection or allergies. That’s why a general rule applies: If symptoms last more than two weeks without improvement, it’s time to see a doctor. Early detection increases the chances of successful treatment.
In terms of prevention, the most effective strategy remains lifestyle modification.
Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and maintaining good oral hygiene are all practical, preventive steps that individuals can take immediately. For the younger generation, HPV vaccination is now recommended not just for girls but also for boys, ideally before they become sexually active. The vaccine helps prevent HPV infection, which not only reduces the risk of cervical cancer but also of oropharyngeal cancer later in life.
Treatment for oropharyngeal cancer depends on several factors, including the size and location of the tumor and whether it has spread. Common approaches include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these.
Thanks to medical advancements, many patients can be treated successfully, especially when the cancer is detected early. However, in more advanced stages, treatment can affect speech, swallowing, and appearance, which is why follow-up care, rehabilitation, and emotional support are also part of the recovery process.
One of the national efforts to bring more awareness to head and neck cancers, including oropharyngeal cancer, is HANDACOW—Head and Neck Consciousness and Awareness Week—observed during the fourth week of April.
Established under Presidential Proclamation No. 1676, this campaign encourages Filipinos to become more aware of symptoms, risk factors, and the value of early screening. Despite the yearly observance, however, there’s still a lot of work to be done to bridge the gap between awareness and action, especially in more remote areas where access to screening and specialist care is limited.
Here in the Cordillera region, additional challenges include limited access to ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists, financial constraints, and cultural beliefs that may discourage early consultation.
Some patients ignore early symptoms or rely on herbal or traditional remedies until the disease has advanced significantly. This delay in seeking medical attention makes treatment more difficult and outcomes less favorable.
Public health campaigns often struggle to reach populations in mountainous or rural areas where both resources and trained personnel are stretched thin. Vaccination drives, for example, may not cover all eligible teens, and smoking cessation programs may not be consistently enforced or supported at the local level.
Despite these obstacles, there’s hope. Local health centers, non-government organizations, and city health departments continue to push for better awareness and early diagnosis. Community forums, barangay health visits, and school-based vaccination programs can help bring about meaningful progress.
If you live in Baguio or the surrounding areas, take note of persistent symptoms and make the effort to get screened when something feels off. Encouraging others to do the same, especially loved ones who use tobacco or drink regularly, can make a difference. Oropharyngeal cancer may not be preventable in all cases, but much of the risk is modifiable. A trip to the clinic today may mean more tomorrows.
For more expert discussions on health and wellness, tune in to Health Matters every Saturday at 9 AM on YouTube and Facebook.
Catch all our episodes on the Baguio Chronicle’s official YouTube Channel.
