Brazil's July Green campaign stresses early detection of head and neck cancer

The national "Julho Verde" (Green July) campaign, instituted by the Brazilian Society of Head and Neck Surgery and codified by Law 14.328/2022, seeks to raise awareness about head and neck cancers. It highlights preventable risk factors such as tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, HPV infection, excessive sun exposure and poor oral hygiene, and promotes HPV vaccination as a preventive measure.

Organizers stress that early diagnosis markedly improves treatment success and survival. Key warning signs listed include non‑healing mouth sores, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, unexplained throat pain, unexplained bleeding and neck nodules. The campaign quotes oncologist Dr. Diego Machado: “When the disease is diagnosed early, the chances of effective treatment and cure increase significantly.”

Estimates from the National Cancer Institute (INCA) project about 15,000 new oral cavity cases in 2024 and roughly 40,000 head and neck cancer cases annually in Brazil. The campaign also draws attention to access challenges, especially in large states like Mato Grosso, where specialist services are concentrated in the capital, creating delays for patients from remote municipalities. Surgeon Erik Bustamante emphasizes the need for timely referral to improve outcomes.