Brazil health ministry urges early detection of head and neck cancer in July Green

July Green is Brazil's national awareness month for head and neck cancer. The Ministry of Health uses the campaign to remind the public of major risk factors such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption and persistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV‑16). It lists warning signs—including non‑healing mouth sores, white or red patches, hoarseness lasting more than three weeks, difficulty swallowing, persistent neck lumps, recurrent nosebleeds and unexplained weight loss— and advises anyone experiencing them to visit the nearest Basic Health Unit.

Patients are then referred for specialist evaluation, with diagnosis confirmed by biopsy and histopathology. Treatment, provided through the Unified Health System (SUS), may involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or a combination, depending on the clinical stage. Early identification greatly improves cure rates and reduces the risk of long‑term complications, underscoring the campaign's focus on prevention, timely diagnosis and access to care.