With September being Oral Cancer Awareness Month, it is an opportune time to re-educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of the disease and what to look out for and how to avoid it.
Oral cancer includes cancer of the mouth, lips, tongue, palate. 700 cases of cancer of the mouth (oral cavity and pharynx) reported in Ireland every year. Oral cancer is the 6th most common cancer amongst men. Survival rates are low with an average of less than 50% survival rate at 5 years due to delayed diagnoses mainly. If the cancer is caught in stage 1 or stage 2, survival rates are estimated at 80% at 3 years.
Currently, oral cancer is a bigger killer in Ireland than cervical or skin melanoma.
Early diagnoses and treatment is key to better survival rates.
The causes of oral cancer include;
Smoking tobacco – cigarettes, roll-ups, cigars, pipes or cannabis.
Excessive alcohol consumption.
Using tobacco and alcohol together - this greatly increases your risk.
Excessive exposure to sunlight or radiation (for lip cancer).
Chewing tobacco, betelguid, gutkha and paan.
A diet lacking in fruit and vegetables.
Viral infections, e.g., human papillomavirus (HPV).
It is very important to be aware of your mouth and check your mouth regularly for any unusual signs or symptoms. Stand in good light and look around your tongue, the floor of your mouth, cheeks and your palate. If you have any concerns, act fast, contact your dentist or GP immediately.
Signs and symptoms of oral cancer;
red or white patches on the lining of your mouth or tongue
one or more mouth ulcers that do not heal after three weeks
a swelling in your mouth that lasts for more than three weeks
pain when swallowing
a tooth, or teeth, that become loose for no obvious reason
a persistent pain in the neck
a hoarse voice
unexplained weight loss
unusual changes in your sense of taste
earache
the lymph nodes (glands) in your neck become swollen
Be aware of any abnormalities in your mouth and attend your dentist or GP immediately if you have any concerns.
Be mindful of the causes or oral cancer, reduce your alcohol intake and stop smoking if you smoke. Improve your diet and increase the amount of vegetables and fruit you consume if necessary.
A dental check up is recommended at least every year and your dentist should recognize any potential signs of oral cancer and refer to a specialist for treatment.
Treatment of oral cancer includes, removal of the primary or secondary tumours, radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy. Treatment depends on the type and size of the tumour and the patient.
For more inforamtion, contact Dr Jennifer Collins and her team at NorthumberlandDentalCare, www.nidm.ie or call on 016688441
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