Laryngeal and Hypopharyngeal Cancer Overview

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Causes, Risk Factors, and Prevention TOPICS

Can laryngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers be prevented?

Not all of these cancers can be prevented, but the risk can be greatly reduced by avoiding risk factors such as smoking and alcohol use, and by using safe work habits if you are around cancer-causing chemicals.

Poor diet and a lack of some vitamins have been linked to these cancers. Eating a healthy, balanced diet may help lower your risk of these cancers and many others.

The American Cancer Society recommends eating a healthy diet, with more plant foods. This includes eating at least 2½ cups of vegetables and fruits every day. Choosing whole-grain breads, pastas, and cereals instead of refined grains, and eating fish, poultry, or beans instead of processed meat and red meat may also help lower your risk of cancer. As a rule, eating a healthy diet is much better than adding vitamin supplements to an otherwise unhealthy diet.


Last Medical Review: 04/08/2014
Last Revised: 01/13/2015