By The Survivors Club Staff
March 16, 2010

Several years ago, Lance Mackey was diagnosed with head and neck cancer, and had to undergo a surgery followed by 12 weeks of radiation. However, on March 16 the Alaska native managed to win his fourth consecutive Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and became the first musher ever to do so.

Still suffering from the side effects of his cancer treatment - which include a damaged jaw, dry mouth and poor circulation in his hands and feet - Mackey successfully braved a biting Arctic headwind gusting up to 15 mph and the minus-15F temperatures to finish first in the 1,100-mile race, according to media reports.

Before the race, the survivor told The Anchorage Daily News, "I plan to stick with this as long as my body will allow."

"If I get five more years, I think I'd be satisfied, but I'll take 20 if I can get it," he added.

According to the National Cancer Institute, head and neck cancers account for approximately 3 to 5 percent of all cancers in the U.S., and about 39,000 Americans were diagnosed with the disease in 2005.

Experts from the American Cancer Society say most cases of head and neck cancer may be prevented by avoiding risk factors such as smoking and alcohol abuse, and by using safe work habits when working with cancer-causing chemicals.

Moreover, as poor diet and vitamin deficiencies have been linked to these cancers, the society recommends eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day; whole grain breads, cereals, pastas, rice and beans; and reducing the consumption of red and processed meats such as hot dogs, sausage and lunch meat.

Survivors can consult the resources of the American Head and Neck Society, which also accepts donations.