Oral cancer is a severe and potentially deadly disease that affects millions of people worldwide. April is oral cancer awareness month, the perfect time to educate ourselves on the risks and symptoms of oral cancer to promote early detection and increase survival rates.
Your smile tells your story, and we’re committed to ensuring that each chapter is healthy and bright. Our preventative dentistry services in Thornton, Colorado, include comprehensive oral cancer screenings, an essential step in safeguarding your oral health. Visit us to experience our dedication to your well-being and leave with the confidence of knowing your health is in good hands. We also offer restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and more.
The following are some facts and risk factors associated with oral cancer and ways to prevent and detect it.
Facts About Oral Cancer
Oral cancer refers to any cancer that develops in the mouth or throat. This includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx. It can also affect the glands that produce saliva and the tonsils.
Oral cancer is a type of head and neck cancer, and it can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated early. While oral cancer can occur in anyone, it is more common in older adults over the age of 55, and men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer than women. However, recent studies have shown an increase in oral cancer cases among younger individuals due to the rise in human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.
Risk Factors
There are several risk factors associated with the development of oral cancer, including:
- Tobacco Use: Smoking cigarettes, pipes, cigars, and using smokeless tobacco significantly increases the risk of oral cancer.
- Heavy Alcohol Consumption: Consuming large amounts of alcohol regularly has been linked to an increased risk of developing oral cancer.
- HPV Infection: Certain strains of HPV have been linked to oral cancer. This virus is transmitted through sexual contact.
- Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of lip cancer.
- Poor Diet: A diet low in fruits and vegetables has been associated with an increased risk of oral cancer.
- Family History: Having a family history of oral cancer puts individuals at a higher risk.
- Age and Gender: As mentioned earlier, older adults over the age of 55 and men are at a higher risk of developing oral cancer.
- Weakened Immune System: People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to developing oral cancer.
It’s important to note that while these risk factors increase the likelihood of developing oral cancer, someone without any of these risk factors can develop the disease still. Therefore, regular screenings and self-examinations are crucial for early detection.
Symptoms
Early detection is key to successfully treating oral cancer. Knowing the signs and symptoms can help individuals seek medical attention sooner rather than later. Some common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Persistent mouth pain or a sore that does not heal
- Red or white patches on the tongue, gums, or other areas inside the mouth
- Difficulty swallowing or chewing
- Numbness in the mouth or lips
- A lump or thickening in the cheek that does not go away
If you experience any of these symptoms, scheduling a thorough examination with your dentist or doctor is important.
Prevention and Early Detection
There are several ways to prevent and detect oral cancer early on. These include:
- Regular Dental Check-ups: We can detect early signs of oral cancer during routine dental check-ups.
- Self-Examinations: Regular self-examinations can help you become familiar with your mouth and identify any changes or abnormalities.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Avoiding tobacco use, limiting alcohol consumption, practicing safe sex, and maintaining a healthy diet can all help reduce the risk of developing oral cancer.
- HPV Vaccination: The HPV vaccine can protect against certain strains of the virus that have been linked to oral cancer. It is recommended for males and females between the ages of 11 and 26.
Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Oral cancer is a severe disease that can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early. Knowing the facts, risk factors, and symptoms can help individuals become proactive in preventing and detecting oral cancer. Regular dental check-ups, self-examinations, and healthy lifestyle choices are all important steps in promoting oral cancer awareness and improving survival rates.
Remember to stay informed and spread awareness about this disease to your family, friends, and community. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against oral cancer. Schedule your next dental check-up today with Dr. Bruggeman at Bruggeman Dental, and join us in promoting oral cancer awareness. Thank you for reading, and stay healthy!
