February 4: Cancer is still rated as one of the top 10 causes of morbidity in the country. Of the many types of cancer- Stomach cancer is the most common among Bhutanese. But of late- the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital is seeing another form of cancer– the head and neck cancer.

Head and neck cancer according to hospital statistics is increasing significantly.

Today, on an average, the hospital detects two to three cases of head and neck cancer in a week. In the past, head and neck cancer was something not heard of.

The cancer according to medical doctors is mostly common among those who smoke, chew doma and among alcoholics.

“People will not be able to speak properly. They will also have problems in swallowing, chewing and even breathing,” said Doctor Tenzin Norsang, ENT specialist.

Patients will go through psychological trauma. Doctors say head and neck cancer is a complicated disease. Operation can lead to distortion of the organs. Leaving it unattended is also risky. However, early diagnosis can cure the cancer.

The only preventive measure is to refrain oneself from consuming the causative factors and saying no to doma, cigarettes and alcohol.