Head and neck cancers encompass cancers in the larynx, throat, lips, mouth, and salivary glands. These types of cancer usually begin in the squamous cells that line the mouth, nose, and throat, and salivary glands. Cancer Center at Illinois scientists are exploring the causes ( e.g. diet, tobacco, alcohol, and HPV infection) and treatments for head and neck cancers. According to the National Institutes of Health, head and neck cancers are the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancers, worldwide. While the mortality rates in the U.S are higher than the global rates, the sensitive areas impacted by these types of cancer can have life-long impacts on cancer patients.
