November is Oral Cancer awareness month – Early Diagnosis is Key

A Few Facts about Oral Cancer

Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and the pharynx (the back of the throat).

It accounts for roughly 2% of all cancers diagnosed annually in the UK. Approximately 6,500 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer each year and about 2000 will die from the disease. On average, 60 percent of those with the disease will survive more than 5 years and early detection increases survival rates substantially.

Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 40 and affects more than twice as many men as women.

What Puts Someone At Risk?

Tobacco And Alcohol Use

Most cases of oral cancer are linked to cigarette smoking, heavy alcohol use, or the use of both tobacco and alcohol together.  Using tobacco plus alcohol poses a much greater risk than using either substance alone.

HPV

Infection with the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (specifically the HPV 16 type) has been linked to a certain oral cancers.

Age

Risk increases with age. Oral cancer most often occurs in people over the age of 40, although the frequency of occurrence in younger people appears to be increasing.

Sun Exposure

Cancer of the lip can be caused by excessive exposure to sunlight.  Always use sunscreen if you are outdoors for long periods.

Diet

A diet low in fruits and vegetables may play a role in oral cancer development.

Possible Signs & Symptoms

• A sore, irritation, lump or thick patch in your mouth, lip, or throat
• A white or red patch in your mouth
• A feeling that something is caught in your throat
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue
• Numbness in your tongue or other areas of your mouth
• Swelling of your jaw that causes dentures to fit poorly or become uncomfortable
• Pain in one ear without hearing loss

Remember – Early detection is the most important factor in successful treatment for oral cancer, so it is important that you make an appointment as soon as possible if you notice any of the above.

Your regular dental examination is an excellent opportunity for us to spot any warning signs and if necessary to ensure that prompt treatment is provided.