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Doctor: Cancers in head, neck are on rise in younger people

Posted at 11:47 PM, Oct 06, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-07 02:47:13-04

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A local doctor says cancers of the head and neck are on the rise especially among younger people.

And the HPV virus is a big reason why.

“Often those HPV cancers could go undetected for longer periods of time. Because your younger patients feel there is nothing wrong with them,” said Dr. Michael Anderson.

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He also says patients as young as 40 years old are developing throat cancer.

In addition to the HPV virus, other risk factors include smoking and drinking.

Dr. Anderson recommends seeing your primary physician if you have difficulty swallowing, notice a change in taste or feel a lump in your throat.