Uruguay Marks World Voice Day: Experts Urge Early Detection of Vocal Cancers

On World Voice Day, observed this Thursday, April 16, Uruguay is focusing critical attention on vocal health and the prevention of related diseases. The Uruguayan Society of Otorhinolaryngology (SORLU) is spearheading efforts to educate the public, stressing that certain persistent symptoms should not be normalized as they may signal serious pathologies, including cancer. Experts highlight that early consultations are paramount for detecting potential head and neck tumors, which affect the aerodigestive tract, encompassing the throat, mouth, tongue, and vocal cords. The message from SORLU is clear: persistent hoarseness lasting over three weeks, enduring pain or difficulty swallowing, non-healing mouth sores, unexplained bleeding, and neck lumps are critical warning signs that demand medical attention. Furthermore, the society points to smoking and excessive alcohol consumption as significant risk factors for cancers of the vocal cords, throat, mouth, and tongue. From Uruguay's perspective, this day serves as a vital reminder of the importance of proactive health measures, especially given the country's concerning statistics. Uruguay ranks third in the Americas for mortality from head and neck cancers, with over 70% of patients seeking medical help only in advanced stages. This reality underscores the need for improved early detection strategies, particularly within the primary healthcare system, to combat these often-devastating diseases and reduce mortality rates.

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No fumar, evitar el consumo de alcohol y consultar ante síntomas persistentes son medidas fundamentales