The last week of April has been declared as the Head and Neck Consciousness Week by virtue of Proclamation No. 1676, s. 2008 spearheaded by the Philippine Society of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and the Department of Health. This observance aims to increase awareness on cancer affecting the head and neck region as incidences have been increasing over the past years.

In most cancer cases, identification and reduction of risk factors as well as early screening significantly affects the prognosis of cancer in the body. The Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) highly encourages the public to stop smoking and limit alcohol intake as these habits are linked to increased risk of developing cancers of the head and neck.