Oral cancer severely affects millions of people worldwide and can be life-threatening. Since April marks Oral Cancer Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to learn about the risks and symptoms. By staying informed, we can promote early detection and improve 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 develops in the mouth or throat, affecting areas such as the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and pharynx. It can also impact the salivary glands and tonsils.
As a type of head and neck cancer, oral cancer can become life-threatening without early diagnosis and treatment. Although anyone can develop oral cancer, older adults over 55 face a higher risk, and men are twice as likely to be affected as women. However, recent studies indicate a rise in oral cancer cases among younger individuals due to increasing 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: Regularly consuming large amounts of alcohol increases the risk of developing oral cancer.
- HPV Infection: Researchers have linked certain strains of HPV to oral cancer. Sexual contact transmits this virus.
- Sun Exposure: Excessive sun exposure can increase the risk of lip cancer.
- Poor Diet: A diet lacking fruits and vegetables increases the 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: HPV vaccination protects against certain virus strains linked to oral cancer. Doctors recommend it for males and females aged 11 to 26.
Oral Cancer Awareness Month
Oral cancer can be life-threatening without early detection and treatment. Learning the facts, recognizing risk factors, and identifying symptoms empower individuals to prevent and detect oral cancer. Regular dental check-ups, self-examinations, and healthy lifestyle choices play a crucial role in raising 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!
