When it comes to cancer awareness and prevention, oral cancer doesn’t get a ton of press.
Which is really unfortunately - because not only is it easy to miss and often goes undetected, but they can also be extremely dangerous. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 53,000 Americans will be diagnosed this year, and over 9,750 of those patients will die from it.
Fortunately, while oral cancer may be quite deadly, it’s also highly preventable as well. Here’s everything you need to know about these cancers and how to prevent them from happening to you and your family.
The Facts About Oral Cancer
Oral cancer refers to a group of cancers that affect the oral cavity, which include the lips, cheek and tongue. Closely related are oropharynx cancers, which include the soft palette, tonsils and throat.
While the number of young patients developing oral cancer has been steadily increasing, those over 55 are most at risk.
Men are approximately twice as likely as women to develop it, and patients who are successfully treated are at risk for developing other related cancers.
Oral cancer can be screened for with a high degree of success, but a biopsy is the only way to officially make a diagnosis.
What Are The Symptoms?
While oral cancer often flies under the radar, there are a few key symptoms to watch out for.
You may notice white or red patches beginning to develop, or sores that don’t seem to be getting any better. These can happen anywhere in the mouth, including your lips and your gums. You may also notice lumps developing either in your mouth or around your neck.
Any major changes in how you’re feeling in these areas can also be a red flag. This includes changes to your voice, persistent hoarseness and difficulty chewing your food and swallowing.
If you notice any of these, be sure to contact your health care provider immediately.
5 Tips For Prevention
Now that you know a little more about how oral cancer works, here are some of the steps you can start implementing to prevent it from happening to you.
Tip #1 - Quit Using Tobacco
Tobacco use is one of the major risk factors. And it’s not just cigarette smoking - smokeless products such as chewing tobacco also increase your risk by creating potentially cancerous ulcers in the mouth.
Tip #2 - Avoid Heavy Drinking
While alcohol in moderation may provide some heath benefits, heavy use (particularly in combination with tobacco) can increase your risk. Alcohol consumption should be limited to one drink per day for women and up to two for men.
Tip #3 - Use Sun Protection
Sun protection isn’t just for preventing skin cancer. Remember that oral cancer can also develop on the lips, and this is an area that you’ll want to protect - make sure that you limit your exposure to the sun during peak daytime hours and apply a lip balm with an SPF daily.
Tip #4 - Modify Your Diet
Like other forms of cancer, diet can really go a long way when it comes to prevention. Focus on consuming enough fruits and vegetables, and limit your intake of processed foods.
Tip #5 - See A Dentist Near You Regularly
Your dentist should be one of your first lines of defense. An oral cancer screening in Edina is something that they’re trained to do at your request as part of their job.
Even if you’re not highly at risk and you’re doing every right, requesting one of these screenings during your regularly scheduled checkup is a wise step in prevention and early detection that could potentially save your life.
No comments:
Post a Comment